A video filmed on 20/9 in Ho Chi Minh City illustrates a common sight on Vietnam's roads: women riders completely covered from head to toe, often even wearing sunglasses, leaving little skin exposed.

The woman in the video, despite having her field of vision reduced, attempts to cross two lanes of traffic without checking for oncoming vehicles. This results in a collision. Had it been a larger vehicle like a bus or truck, the outcome could have been far worse.

While protecting skin from the sun and pollution is understandable, this practice can create dangerous situations. These riders often forget that healthy skin depends on staying alive. Wearing full-body sun protection can restrict peripheral vision, muffle sounds, and hinder movement, increasing the risk of accidents, especially on busy roads.

Worryingly, some women involved in such incidents simply leave the scene, acting as if they are not at fault or downplaying the collision as a minor scrape. With the mindset that "motorbikes are small, cars sustain more damage," many assume the car driver is solely responsible. This irresponsibility not only frustrates car drivers but also endangers the motorbike riders themselves, as even a small collision can cause them to fall with potentially serious consequences.

The root cause lies in a limited understanding of road safety. Some people fail to grasp that covering their faces while driving is dangerous, akin to driving blindfolded. Many women also adjust their clothing, glasses, or face masks while driving, further increasing the risk. Meanwhile, clear penalties for this behavior are lacking, leading to disregard for regulations and safety.

Addressing this requires raising awareness. Manufacturers could design specialized sun-protective clothing for riders that offers ventilation without obstructing vision. Authorities should also increase warnings and even issue fines for driving with excessive face coverings.

Vu Vu