Many people considering traveling to Vietnam are concerned about crossing the street in larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It seems as if there are no (observed) crosswalks; and pedestrians appear to be in great danger.

It is of little consolation, but pedestrians only account for about 10 per cent of those killed in transportation accidents in Vietnam. By contrast, drivers and riders of motorbikes account for about 60 per cent of fatalities. These figures come from a study dated 2001.

DO NOT STEP BACK!!

This is a Basic Rule of the Road for pedestrians in Vietnam. Once you make the commitment to cross ANY street, road or highway DO NOT STEP BACK if you see a motorbike or bicycle approaching you. This is one of the unwritten rules of the road in Vietnam. Motorbike and bicycle riders negotiate pedestrian “obstaclesâ€