Road Safety

Three things, every time

If anything's coming, wait. The road is patient. So are we.

Three colours, three meanings

For pedestrians (people walking) the colours can be flipped — green walking person = go; red person = stop. Look for the picture.

Even with a green light, look both ways. Some drivers don't stop. Trust your eyes more than the colour.

The 'walking through a stream' rule

HCMC traffic doesn't always stop, even at zebra crossings. Motorbikes flow around obstacles. The trick is to walk slowly, steadily, predictably — like a stone in a stream. Drivers will go around you.

1. Hold a grown-up's hand. Always.
2. Don't sprint. Don't stop. Walk steady.
3. Make eye contact with the closest driver — they'll see you.
4. Watch out for left-turning traffic — it can come from behind.

Helmets and seatbelts — every time

• Helmet on a motorbike. Not loose, not bent backwards. Strap clipped under the chin.
• Seatbelt in a car. The belt across the chest, not behind the back.
• Sit in the back seat until you're tall enough — that's safer.
• Don't open doors until the car is stopped and parked.

Eyes up, ears free

Don't walk while looking at a screen. Don't wear headphones near roads (or only on one ear). The pavement isn't always safe either — motorbikes sometimes ride on it. Stay close to the wall side, not the road side.

At night, wear something light or reflective. Drivers can't stop for what they can't see.