Horns are heavily used in Vietnam: a motorbike still runs with no lights or little brakes, but if the horn doesn’t work, the bike needs fixing. Drivers constantly signal their position and intentions by tooting their horns…
Horns are heavily used in Vietnam: a motorbike still runs with no lights or little brakes, but if the horn doesn’t work, the bike needs fixing. Drivers constantly signal their position and intentions by tooting their horns, some even when they are alone on the road. A growing number of bright young sparks have had the amusing idea of fixing a powerful car horn to a scooter, and there’s one right behind you…DON’T let it get to you: it’s just how things are here. If you start screaming at people for blowing their horns, they will – with reason – simply stare at you in amazement. DON’T forget to use the horn yourself when you drive otherwise, how will people know you’re coming? Seriously, it can be dangerous not to signal your presence audibly, since everyone else does. Helmets are spreading fast in Vietnam, and are now supposedly mandatory everywhere outside big towns. It’s a difficult law to enforce, but DON’T use that as an excuse not to wear one: hospitals in Vietnam are choked with people suffering from head injuries or in comas after motorbike accidents. DON’T buy a Chinese helmet: it might look as good and be cheaper than other imported makes, but it won’t resist a serious impact.
