An elderly woman was fatally struck by a container truck on 14/7 on national route 37 in Chu Van An ward. The incident occurred as the woman, after observing traffic, slowly walked her bicycle across the road from the right curb. Upon reaching the other side, she navigated around the front of a container truck that was parked at a gas station. As she passed the front of the large vehicle to continue her journey, the truck began to move, tragically running her over.

According to safe driving experts from Car Awards, the container truck driver had ample time and space to observe the area in front and on both sides of the vehicle before moving. While the elderly woman was in the truck's blind spot when directly in front, she had been visible from a distance and moving slowly, providing the driver with an opportunity to observe her. Experts note that many drivers, when stopped, often engage in personal activities instead of focusing on traffic, or they only look in the direction they intend to go, neglecting their surroundings.

To prevent accidents, drivers must maintain constant awareness, even when stopped, observing not just ahead but also to both sides. If a driver is unsure about their visibility, they should honk their horn a few times before moving to alert nearby pedestrians and allow them to move clear.

This incident highlights the common risks faced by cyclists on busy national routes with heavy large vehicle traffic. Experts advise that when crossing the road, in addition to careful observation, pedestrians and cyclists must avoid moving into the path an automobile is heading. For example, if an automobile is moving forward, do not walk in front of it; conversely, if a vehicle is reversing, do not walk behind it. Avoid waiting or entering a vehicle's blind spot.

Nguyen Vu