In the comments section of an article about traffic police deploying to fine drivers for not maintaining a safe distance on highways, most readers raised a common question: "How can one maintain a safe distance when any gap immediately gets filled by another vehicle cutting in?"

Regulations on safe following distances, particularly when driving at 80-120 km/h, are essential for highway safety. However, the reality of Vietnam's infrastructure and prevailing traffic awareness makes it challenging for some drivers to adhere to these rules. For instance, I might follow the law, leaving a gap of 70-100 m from the vehicle ahead as required. Yet, in an instant, a bus, truck, or another driver from behind will speed up and cut into that very space. Reacting for safety, I am forced to lightly brake to fall back and re-establish the distance. But as soon as a new gap is created, another vehicle immediately cuts in. This cycle forces me to constantly brake, gradually falling behind, and significantly increases the risk of being rear-ended by the car behind me.

The driving habit of "filling the gap", pushing, and cutting in has become a common issue among many drivers. Inadvertently, every safe space created is transformed into an "overtaking opportunity" for those lacking proper traffic etiquette. This puts law-abiding drivers in a dilemma: not maintaining a safe distance risks fines and danger, but maintaining it leads to constant interruptions, frustration, and even greater unsafety due to frequent sudden braking.

In my opinion, alongside fining for not maintaining a safe distance, authorities need to increase camera-based enforcement for reckless overtaking, cutting in, changing lanes without signaling, or irresponsible lane merging. Only when the "fill the gap" habit is strictly penalized can drivers truly feel secure in maintaining proper safe distances on every journey.

Reader Anh Vu