I'm still shaken by a massive storm I witnessed in Hanoi on 19/7. It left me with a deep-seated fear of driving in severe weather. I want to share my terrifying experience of driving in such treacherous conditions.

Photo: Huy Manh

Darkening skies, wind whistling through trees, and the first raindrops on the windshield. For many, it's just a passing storm. But for drivers, especially those who have experienced accidents or witnessed the devastating consequences of bad weather, it's a real fear, a journey filled with anxiety where every turn or puddle can become a death trap.

I remember around 4 PM on 19/7, just after leaving a rest stop, the sky turned dark and heavy rain started. Visibility was almost zero, the windshield fogged up, and the wipers couldn't clear the thick sheet of water. The car in front of me braked suddenly. I reacted instinctively, but my wheels skidded. Luckily, I didn't hit the car ahead, but my car spun sideways, stopping inches from the guardrail. This experience intensified my fear, as it wasn't my first time driving in heavy rain.

Such situations are not uncommon. According to the Traffic Police Department, traffic accidents spike during bad weather, especially storms. Limited visibility, slippery roads, strong winds, and panic contribute to poor driving decisions. I recall being trapped on Vinh Tuy Bridge (Hanoi) during a violent storm. Lightning flashed constantly, and the wind was so strong that my car shook violently. I didn't dare continue driving, but I couldn't stop completely either. I felt like I was drowning in nature's fury. From then on, I avoid driving whenever I see dark clouds. Not everyone is so lucky to escape unharmed. Serious accidents caused by storms occur frequently: motorcycles blown over on bridges, cars losing control due to flooding, and fallen trees blocking roads. Poor drainage systems turn roads in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi into rivers, sweeping away both people and vehicles.

Lightning is also a real danger. While cars are considered safe during lightning strikes, motorcyclists – a common sight in Vietnam – are completely exposed. Many people have been struck by lightning while riding in the rain. Driving during storms is extremely dangerous, potentially leading to tragic accidents if precautions aren't taken.

Storms trigger fear and panic in me. My first instinct is to find a safe place to stop instead of continuing to drive. I also make sure my brakes, wipers, headlights, and tires are in good condition to handle slippery roads and limited visibility. Moreover, I always check the weather forecast before any trip, by any means of transport. If there's a risk of a storm, I postpone unless absolutely necessary.

In a developed society, people tend to believe they can control everything. But nature, especially sudden storms, remains a force to be reckoned with. Understanding and respecting nature, equipping ourselves with skills and knowledge, and being cautious in every decision on the road are the only ways to ensure a safe return, even amidst a storm.

Thu Sang