Vietnam news, business, sports and events

It has been a while that I added something to the blog. Extremely busy times so luckily I haven’t been run over by a bus…….which brings me on the topic of today.

The chaotic traffic is one of the hot-topics in Vietnam. Although a poor country, the number of motorbikes is increasing fast. Thanks to the rising living standards motorbikes replace bicycles for daily transportation. Vietnam counts millions of motorbikes and it is noisy, dusty and hot when driving a bike. According to statistics of the government about 12,000 people die each year in traffic accidents and there are many accidents resulting in serious head injuries. In more than 85% of the cases, motorbikes are involved

It is completely normal to ignore a red light, drive with more than two people on a bike, be on the phone, carry a couple of pigs or simply drive on the wrong side of the road. Vietnamese don’t turn their head to look both ways but simply follow the flow, they turn left completely at the right side of the road and enter the traffic without looking at all.

Traffic is dangerous and tourists who are not familiar with the traffic should be very careful when crossing the roads.

As bad is it may seem, I remember the traffic 7 years ago and the traffic has somehow improved. I am not joking! There may more traffic jams and more pollution but there are less suicidal racers on the roads and the police are working much harder to catch violators.

As of December 2007 it becomes mandatory to wear a helmet in the city. It is expected that the number of deaths and head injuries will significantly reduce. I used to drive a heavy bike in Holland but in Vietnam my bike is just small and the heat and humidity doesn’t invite me to wear a helmet although I should do (unless I drive on the high-way). It is probably not a bad idea to make it mandatory to wear the helmet.

Do you wear a helmet when driving in Saigon or do you think by yourself: Oh man, it is way to hot to wear such a thing!? If you don’t better think twice and get that thing on your head.

Let’s get back to this topic in Q2 2008 and see whether the helmet has actually reduced the number of deaths….