Witnessing the situation in the video, I was extremely frustrated to see a car leisurely obstructing traffic on the highway by stubbornly sticking to the left lane at a slow speed, refusing to yield despite a clear path ahead. The vehicle behind repeatedly honked and flashed its lights to pass, but the driver acted oblivious, even displaying an attitude suggesting, "I'm following the law, wait if you want to". This selfish mindset transforms highways into places of frustration, danger, and conflict.

According to the law, drivers who fail to yield to a passing vehicle when safe to do so face a fine of 2 - 3 million dong and have 2 points deducted from their driver's license. If failing to yield leads to a traffic accident, the driver faces a fine of 20 - 22 million dong and a deduction of 10 points from their driver's license.

Many argue, "I'm driving at the maximum speed limit, so there's no need to yield," but I consider this a selfish act. Even if driving near the maximum speed, if there is a vehicle behind that wishes to pass, drivers should move to the right lane to yield. Whether another driver exceeds the speed limit or breaks the law is a matter for the authorities. Our responsibility is to reach our destination safely, avoiding unnecessary conflicts on the road.

Failing to yield is not only a lack of traffic etiquette but also an action that poses potential accident risks: it can cause vehicles behind to bunch up, lead to sudden braking, and force other cars to change lanes unexpectedly. More dangerously, it creates frustration, prompting many to illegally and riskily overtake on the right.

Notably, I have also observed many people condemning the act of flashing lights to request to pass or honking as a warning, while nonchalantly defending vehicles obstructing traffic. In reality, flashing lights to request to pass is a perfectly legal and courteous warning signal on highways. If someone feels offended by another driver requesting to pass, the issue lies with their ego and lack of understanding, not with the signal itself.

In my opinion, achieving change requires more than relying on self-awareness; clear solutions are needed:

First, impose stricter penalties for intentionally occupying the left lane. With a few significant fines, I believe this habit would quickly disappear.

Second, adopt the practice of advanced countries where "the left lane is for passing only".

Third, reorient the traffic mindset away from it being a battle of egos. Yielding does not diminish anyone; it demonstrates civility and respect for life.

Highways are designed for speed, fluidity, and safety. However, just one stubborn vehicle occupying the left lane can cause the entire system to become congested and pose numerous safety risks. Traffic civility begins with a simple act: yielding when a vehicle behind needs to pass. Yielding is not out of fear, but because it is the law and a fundamental ethic for drivers.

Reader Vu Vu