Road Rage – Stopping the Hooliganism Before the “Line of Consciousness”

However, if traffic accidents occur, let’s not give in to impatience and anger. Instead, let’s calmly assess the situation and resolve any conflicts peacefully. This approach will help reduce stress, promote a more humane environment, and contribute to building a cultured, elegant, and civilized Hanoi, ensuring a joyful and complete Spring Festival for all.

Anger and Road Rage

Not only in Hanoi but also in most major cities across the country, the number of people on the roads during this festive season doubles or even triples compared to regular days. The need for transportation and cargo services increases, along with the urgency to complete tasks before the new year, creating a rushed and hectic atmosphere. Many people are also out and about, visiting family, attending parties, and enjoying the vibrant year-end atmosphere.

As a result, not all journeys are pleasant. In recent days, there have been numerous accidents leading to intense conflicts that have disturbed the public. In this age of information technology, not only images but also vivid clips captured by passersby and shared on social media platforms reveal the uncivilized and condemnable behavior of a small segment of the population.

A woman kicking a ride-hailing driver in Ho Chi Minh City (Image source: Clip)

One such incident involved a couple who repeatedly punched and kicked a ride-hailing driver in Ho Chi Minh City. The police of Ben Nghe Ward have identified the couple and invited them to the station for questioning. The authorities determined that the couple was riding a motorbike together and had a conflict with two other individuals on the road. When the male ride-hailing driver intervened to mediate, he became the target of the couple’s violent assault.

What’s infuriating is that the driver was not involved in the initial conflict; he merely tried to calm the situation but ended up being brutally attacked.

In another incident in Binh Duong, a man suffered severe brain injuries and fell into a deep coma following a road accident and subsequent assault.

On the evening of January 1st, social media was abuzz with a clip showing a confrontation between a motorcyclist and a female car driver. In the short clip, the motorcyclist repeatedly attempts to punch the car driver and eventually forces open the car door, causing the woman to raise her hands in defense. The man then kicks the female driver before closing the door.

The man forcefully opens the car door and kicks the female driver in the middle of the street (Image source: Clip)

The incident is believed to have taken place in Hanoi, which further aggravates public sentiment. While the city’s government and its people have been striving to cultivate a cultured and civilized Hanoi, such acts of aggression against women reflect a decline in road culture and awareness among a small segment of the population, requiring immediate correction and improvement.

Controlling Our Anger

In these conflicts, we witness the all-consuming “fire” of anger and impatience, clouding the judgment and empathy of those involved.

It is understandable that individuals involved in accidents, whether minor scrapes or more serious incidents, may feel angry and frustrated due to pain, disruption of plans, or other reasons. However, in many of the recorded incidents, the aggressors’ actions seem disproportionate to the harm they suffered, and their behavior borders on thuggery.

Complying with road traffic laws and being considerate while driving ensures the safety of oneself and others.

While the authorities will undoubtedly address these incidents and impose strict and appropriate penalties on the perpetrators, the repeated occurrence of such incidents highlights a concerning lack of understanding and respect for the law, as well as a decline in morality and awareness among a small segment of the population.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is unacceptable for a strong, healthy man to forcefully open a car door and kick a female driver in the nation’s capital, a modern and progressive city. We often hear the saying, “Don’t hit a woman, not even with a flower.” In today’s society, women are empowered, contributing significantly to various fields while also fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers admirably.

As more women take to the roads, it reflects economic development and a shift towards gender equality and progress. When women drive, they, like all other road users, must abide by traffic laws. In the event of an accident, the law will determine fault and ensure justice.

During this festive season, the traffic police are working diligently and responsibly to ensure the safety and security of Hanoi’s roads. Combined with the extensive network of surveillance cameras, accidents and traffic violations are swiftly identified and addressed. Therefore, any condescending attitude towards women drivers and, more importantly, any act of violence against them is highly condemnable and will be severely punished to set an example and deter others from undermining the civilized values that Hanoi has tirelessly cultivated over the years.

Stopping at the designated line and refraining from violent behavior are signs of respect for others and the law.

Let’s learn from these incidents and strive to improve our behavior on the roads. By strictly adhering to road traffic laws, showing consideration and patience, and calmly resolving conflicts, we can prevent the “fire” of anger from spreading and ensure smooth and harmonious traffic flow during this festive season.

If we all contribute to “adding fuel to the fire” with our personal reasons, impatience, and insistence on being right, we will only exacerbate the problem and face consequences for our actions. During these busy days of welcoming the new year, let’s raise our awareness, act civilized and elegant, and uphold the standards of our beloved capital city, showcasing its beauty and charm to both locals and international friends.

Hương Thu (Tuoitrethudo)