Crossing the road is simple. Why do so many still do it wrong in Ho Chi Minh City?

Editor's note: According to traffic police in An Suong Intersection in Hoc Mon District under the Ho Chi Minh City traffic police division, four accidents involving pedestrians occurred in their jurisdiction between 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, resulting in three deaths and one injury.

The cause in each case was pedestrians crossing outside of designated areas.

One such incident took place at midday on March 25, when a 70-year-old woman, N.T.T., was struck and killed by a cement truck on Le Quang Dao Street in Hoc Mon District as she crossed a road reserved for motor vehicles.

The following opinion was submitted to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper by a reader named Manh Quang. It was edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity, consistency, and coherence.

On Ton Duc Thang Street in District 1, a key thoroughfare in central Ho Chi Minh City, pedestrian crossings are clearly marked and equipped with working signal lights, particularly between the intersection with Vo Van Kiet Boulevard and the foot of Ba Son Bridge.

Despite this infrastructure, unsafe and disorderly road-crossing behavior remains common.

While many pedestrians follow traffic rules—waiting for green lights and using designated crosswalks—others frequently cross wherever convenient, often ignoring signals and putting themselves and others at risk.

I once witnessed a group of more than 20 tourists led across the street outside the crosswalk by their guide.

The group stopped in the middle of traffic to take photos and record videos, forcing several vehicles—including mine—to brake suddenly.

I still don’t understand what kind of ‘experience’ they were hoping to have by doing so.

Vietnam’s Decree 168, which outlines administrative penalties for traffic violations, only recently took effect.

But even before then, a growing number of people had already begun forming the habit of waiting for pedestrian lights and crossing at proper points.

These habits not only improve traffic culture but also enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Still, many continue to disregard basic road safety.

Some argue it is inconvenient to walk to the nearest crosswalk.

Others believe it is acceptable to cross as long as there is a break in traffic.

These attitudes contribute to startling moments on roads like National Highway 22, where individuals have been seen suddenly darting into traffic and climbing over medians.

On Nguyen Van Cu Street in District 5, a pedestrian overpass exists, yet many—including students—choose to jaywalk instead, citing convenience.

Several pedestrian bridges in front of hospitals and parks have been built with covered walkways, decorative landscaping, and even elevators.

Yet many people ignore them, choosing to cross dangerously through busy traffic underneath.

Some road sections even pose hazards for drivers, who must remain on high alert due to individuals unexpectedly stepping into traffic—at times, for something as frivolous as taking wedding photos.

The reasons often cited—speed, ease, and convenience—don’t outweigh the very real risk of accidents.

When a few of my colleagues traveled abroad for the first time to cities like Seoul or Tokyo, they were surprised to see pedestrians waiting patiently at red lights—regardless of whether there was any oncoming traffic.

Only when the light turned green did people cross, together and in order.

Of course, pedestrians also have their frustrations.

In my own neighborhood, even when I cross legally at a green pedestrian light, I often have to look both ways and stay alert.

Some vehicles stop right on the crosswalk; others do not slow down at all—ignoring the fact that, by law, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing correctly.

The rules are already in place, and they exist for everyone’s safety.

If these habits are not yet ingrained, perhaps it is time to build them—little by little.

Crossing the street legally may seem like a small act, but it contributes to a culture of safety, respect, and shared responsibility.

Is it really that difficult?