TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may
encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Vietnam is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic. Traffic accidents occur frequently and the most common victims are
motorbike riders and pedestrians. At least 30 people die each day from transportation-related
injuries and many more are injured, often with traumatic head injuries. Traffic accident injuries are
the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam.
Traffic accidents, including those involving a pedestrian and a motorized vehicle, are the single
greatest health and safety risk U.S. citizens will face in Vietnam.
Traffic moves on the right, although drivers frequently cross to the left to pass or turn, and
motorcycles and bicycles often travel (illegally) against the flow of traffic. Horns are used
constantly, often for no apparent reason. Streets in major cities are choked with motorcycles, cars,
buses, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians and cyclos. Outside the cities, livestock compete with vehicles
for road space. Sudden stops by motorcycles and bicycles make driving a particular hazard.
Nationwide, drivers do not follow basic traffic principles, vehicles do not yield right of way, and there
is little adherence to traffic laws or enforcement by traffic police.
The number of traffic lights in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is increasing, but red lights are often not
obeyed. Most Vietnamese ride motorcycles; often an entire family rides on one
Road conditions are poor nationwide. Numerous tragic accidents have occurred due to poor road
conditions that resulted in landslides, and U.S. citizen travelers have lost their lives in this way.
Travelers should exercise extra caution in the countryside, as road conditions are particularly poor
in rural areas.
Driving at night is especially dangerous and drivers should exercise extreme caution. Roads are
poorly lit, and there are few road signs. Buses and trucks often travel at high speed with bright
lights that are rarely dimmed. Some motor vehicles may not use lights at all, vehicles of all types
often stop in the road without any illumination, and livestock are likely to be encountered.
Motorcyclists and bicyclists are strongly urged to wear helmets. Passengers in cars or taxis should
use seatbelts when available, but should be aware that Vietnamese vehicles often are not
equipped with working seatbelts. A law mandating the use of motorcycle helmets on all roads went
into effect on December 15, 2007, and is strictly enforced Child car seats are not available in

The context Rapid increases in the traffic in Viet Nam’s cities is resulting in greater noise
pollution and more accidents.
Objective The construction of an urban transit system in the capital, Hanoi, is to
considerably reduce the amount of traffic on Vietnamese streets.
CIM assignment A German traffic engineer is supporting Hanoi’s traffic authority in
making public transport more appealing. City buses are planned, with lower prices for
monthly tickets and regular schedules posted at each bus stop.
Hanoi is the only capital city in Asia with no urban skyline. Typical of the city are, instead,
its picturesque old city, broad avenues and lakes. The trick is to preserve this idyllic setting
while managing traffic more effectively. In Hanoi more than two million people live in a
very small area. There are relatively few automobiles, but the number of mopeds and
bicycles tearing through the streets is on the rise. The rapidly increasing traffic has also
increased noise pollution and accidents. Walter Molt advises the Hanoi Transport
Management and Operation Centre on improving the organisation of local public transport.
In his daily work he does all he can to give people new insights into what the possibilities
might be. To demonstrate alternatives to cities that cater to cars, he has invited leading
managers at the traffic control authority to take study tours in Europe and examine at first
hand cities that go in for buses, trains or bicycles instead of cars. “You can only make
changes in an atmosphere of trust,” believes Molt, who has apparently succeeded in
winning the trust of his employer. The new additions to Hanoi’s streets are there for all to
see. Today, city residents take the bus much more often than they used to: public transport
companies now carry 600,000 passengers a day: a dramatic rise from the 34,000 per day in
1990. Molt himself has inspired a number of improvements. The transport fleet has been
refurbished and there are more buses now per line. Schedules have been posted at bus stops
and low-priced monthly tickets have been issued. Now the World Bank has made a loan
available for construction of a bus-plus-rapid-transit system in the city. Not only that, the
city of Hannover would like in future, in partnership with Paris Île-de-France, to contribute
to improving environmental conditions and technical standards for Hanoi’s buses.
Maneuvering Through Opportunities & Traffic
in Vietnam

support new innovations, venture funds are now being established here with both foreign
and local money.
Nonetheless, many more foreign ventures will fail here than succeed. It is not easy to
manuever through the local business and cultural environment. The risk remains extremely
high. Like Paul steering us through the traffic, any company that has a fighting chance of
success here needs the guidance and support of someone(s) who already understands the
business climate and culture in Vietnam.
Ads by Google
Business Travellers
Join the first social network for frequent business travellers
www.biziker.com
Setup Foreign Rep Office
Vietnam Specialists in obtaining gov't approval for licenses.
www.VNBusinessSolutions.com
Invest In Yorkshire, UK
Now Is The Time To Invest In Yorkshire And Share Our Strength!
www.InvestinYorkshire.com
Do Business with China
Wholesale Price from Manufacturers Join Us Today & Inquiry Directly!
www.Made-in-China.com
Posted in business, entrepreneur | Tagged entrepreneur, Ho Chi Minh City, Paul Song,
start-up, Vietnam, Vietnam business | 3 Comments
3 Responses
1. on July 27, 2009 at 3:04 pm | Reply charles
john~
interesting observations. i have traveled throughout se asia extensively, and i would
agree that these are the most diligent & brightest workers outside the big 3 in asia
(ie, china, japan & korea).
and again as you rightly pointed out they have the most attractive demographics.
70% below 30, and 2/3 below 25! always an important ingredient in a successful