A tractor-trailer's container swung dangerously across national route 49 in A Luoi district on 9/3, nearly causing a head-on collision with a dashcam-equipped car. The incident occurred on a steep mountain pass with two sharp curves.

The dashcam-equipped car was ascending the mountain pass at a slow speed. As it cleared the first curve and prepared to enter the second, the driver suddenly spotted a tractor-trailer descending from the opposite direction.

Due to significant inertia from descending the slope and cornering, the rear container trailer swung forcefully into the opposite lane. The entire rear of the container swept across almost the entire road surface, creating a dangerous situation. Fortunately, the dashcam driver reacted quickly, reversing to create space and thus avoiding a direct impact.

Driving skills are crucial on such roads. Vehicles, especially large, articulated ones like tractor-trailers, must reduce speed before entering curves. When descending a mountain pass, drivers should use a low gear for engine braking. Due to their length, drivers need to calculate their trajectory to keep the vehicle within its lane and prevent the container's tail from swinging into the opposing lane. Sudden braking can also cause the rear of the vehicle to swing.

When driving on steep mountain roads, particularly when encountering tractor-trailers or containers on curves, smaller vehicles should maintain a safe distance and be ready to slow down. It is unsafe to follow closely or attempt to overtake on curves, because a sudden tail swing from a large vehicle can block the entire road ahead.

Nguyen Vu