A young man on a motorcycle experienced a harrowing traffic incident in Nguyen Trai, Hanoi, on 29/11. Speeding rapidly to overtake, he suddenly applied his brakes, causing him to fall onto the road and roll perilously close to a passenger bus traveling in the same direction. Fortunately, the front of his helmet struck the bus tire, pushing him away and allowing him to tumble one time before escaping death.
This near-fatal accident highlights the critical importance of safe driving practices, especially in heavy traffic. Drivers must control their speed and maintain a safe distance from all surrounding vehicles, not just the one directly ahead. Motorcyclists, in particular, should avoid speeding and weaving through traffic, as these actions often lead to sudden, unexpected situations that necessitate abrupt braking.
Proper braking technique is essential to prevent accidents like this. When braking suddenly, using only the front or rear brake can cause the rider to fall due to the vehicle skidding or wheels locking up. For scooters, the correct technique involves fully releasing the throttle to allow the engine to slow the vehicle, then applying both brakes simultaneously. This coordinated action significantly reduces the risk of skidding.
Nguyen Vu