Top 10 Most Annoying Traffic Habits You Encounter

Nowadays, mobile phones have become indispensable for many, especially young people. They use phones for calling, texting, taking photos, browsing the internet, and social media—anytime, anywhere, even while driving. It's common to see people texting or talking on the phone while navigating traffic daily.

For motorbike riders, steering with one hand isn't as secure or safe as using both hands. Plus, holding the phone in the left hand prevents the rider from using the combined braking system on scooters. A sudden shock from unexpected situations may cause the rider to abruptly apply the front brake, leading to accidents. There have been cases where people, distracted by phone calls, crossed streets without looking, made turns without signaling, or ran red lights, causing frustration among other drivers and even accidents. Despite texting or talking, they never stop to ensure safety for themselves and others. Additionally, using a phone while driving slows down your speed to a crawl, making it frustrating for those behind you.

Everyone has probably seen others driving side-by-side, taking up most of the lane and causing traffic congestion for vehicles behind them.

It's common to see groups of students riding bicycles or e-bikes, taking up the whole road, chatting and laughing, without considering the vehicles behind. Some even hold hands while riding, creating a serious safety risk on the road.

Driving side-by-side not only blocks the road and causes traffic jams but also increases the risk of accidents with nearby vehicles. It also leaves a bad impression on others, as it seems disrespectful and inconsiderate. When driving, focus on reaching your destination, not on chatting aimlessly. This behavior reflects poor manners, disregard for the law, and creates a negative atmosphere. To ensure safety for yourself and others, it's important for students to approach traffic in a smart and responsible manner.

This is a common issue on Vietnamese roads, not only for motorbike riders but also for car drivers. Therefore, in addition to condemning alcohol consumption before driving for car drivers, motorcyclists must also remember: "If you've been drinking, don't drive" to ensure safety for themselves and others.

Alcohol impairs the brain's ability to process information quickly and weakens reflexes, increasing the risk of accidents. For example, if a pedestrian suddenly crosses the road and the driver needs to brake suddenly, the brain takes longer to make the decision. Alcohol also affects coordination between the eyes, hands, and feet, leading to signs like stumbling, unsteady sitting, and even difficulty mounting a vehicle. Drinking alcohol can damage the eye's tissues, from the cornea to the retina, reducing vision and making it harder to focus. Reduced vision makes it difficult to see surrounding objects clearly, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

Turn signals (blinkers) are essential for drivers to indicate their intent to change direction or lanes, allowing other vehicles to adjust and maintain safety. However, many drivers still fail to signal, leading to fines or avoidable accidents.

This mistake is most commonly seen among female drivers. They often make sudden lane changes or turns without using the indicator, or signal just a second or two before turning. This behavior is extremely dangerous, as vehicles behind may not have enough time to react, resulting in accidents. Always make sure to signal well in advance when changing lanes or turning. Obeying traffic laws helps keep everyone safe on the road.

Motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable group on the road, as they are less protected from external forces compared to larger vehicles. However, many motorcyclists have the dangerous habit of riding too close to or even cutting in front of large vehicles like trucks, dump trucks, or buses.

Large vehicles have limited visibility due to their size, and failing to maintain a safe distance could put motorcycle riders in the blind spots of these drivers, leading to avoidable accidents. This is particularly dangerous when large vehicles are reversing or turning. Some riders attempt to squeeze past them, putting themselves at great risk. Sadly, many tragic accidents between motorcycles and large vehicles have occurred, serving as a grim reminder to motorcyclists to stay safe and respect road rules.

This behavior is common at traffic lights, where drivers behind will honk loudly when the light is only 4-5 seconds away from turning green, pressuring the cars in front to move, even though the light is still red. Many drivers, startled by the honking, speed up, causing potential safety hazards on the road.

After waiting at the red light for nearly a minute, why rush for the last few seconds by honking loudly? Still, some drivers have made this a habit, honking regardless of the situation. This behavior spreads like a domino effect, with each person following the lead of the one before them. This thoughtless action creates frustration and discomfort for everyone on the road.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, many cities have implemented right-turn lanes at major intersections, where drivers are allowed to turn right even when the light is red, provided there is a designated arrow or a yellow dashed line (called a "sleeping line") along with a sign that reads: "Right turn on red allowed" or "No stopping, no parking".

However, at many intersections, it is common to see drivers ignoring these rules, either going straight or turning left, and stopping right on the designated right-turn lanes. This not only leads to traffic jams but also creates potential conflicts between road users.

In an attempt to save time, some drivers deliberately drive against traffic, placing themselves and other road users in dangerous situations, especially on high-speed roads. When another vehicle unexpectedly appears on a one-way street, drivers can struggle to react in time, leading to accidents.

Imagine cruising down a quiet road only to encounter a motorcycle going the wrong way. On a less busy road, you may feel a bit more understanding, but when traffic is heavy and people still try to squeeze through, it's incredibly frustrating.

Don’t try to save a few minutes or a bit of fuel at the expense of others' safety. Drive responsibly—small actions of courtesy from everyone can help reduce traffic jams and show that you're a considerate, cultured driver.

Many people use motorcycles to transport bulky goods, which poses significant safety risks and increases the likelihood of accidents on the road. However, this issue is still common in cities. While it's understandable that people load up their bikes with large items—often out of necessity for earning a living—the consequences can be dangerous. Carrying heavy loads not only creates inconveniences for other drivers but also poses a serious safety hazard, potentially leading to accidents. According to the Road Traffic Law, motorcycles are not allowed to carry loads that exceed the design limits or obstruct the rider’s visibility. Despite these regulations, many still ignore them, putting themselves and others at risk.

What causes people to park on the street? First and foremost, it’s often due to a lack of awareness. Many individuals try to save a few bucks by parking haphazardly, sometimes even in front of someone's home or blocking a driveway. There have been many cases where careless parking has led to unfortunate consequences. Secondly, large vehicles, like trucks or cargo vans, often park on the street because there is no designated space available or the area is not conducive to easy parking. During rush hours, this can lead to significant traffic congestion.

The demand for parking is growing, but spaces are limited, which forces many car owners to park recklessly. They park in front of homes or block pathways, fully aware that it disrupts the normal flow of traffic. Parking isn't the issue; the challenge lies in parking in a way that’s respectful, polite, and doesn’t affect others.