Blind Spot Dangers

Recently, the HCMC Police Department issued an open letter to transport businesses, calling for tougher steps to ensure traffic safety and reduce accidents linked to blind spots. According to the police, road crashes in the city remain complex and deadly. From March 15, 2025, until now, HCMC recorded 396 traffic accidents, leaving 227 dead and 167 injured. Most involved motorbikes or bicycles slipping into blind spots of trucks, buses, or trailers, where drivers either failed to see in time or acted carelessly when turning, overtaking, or driving through crowded neighborhoods.

To curb such risks, the police urged transport companies to organize training for drivers on road safety laws and blind spot awareness. They also recommended installing convex mirrors, placing warning signs, and equipping vehicles with monitoring devices to improve visibility. Convex mirrors at depots, warehouses, and vehicle access points were highlighted as additional preventive tools.

The “deadly black hole”
Readers expressed deep concern about the threat blind spots pose. “Every time I read about a crash caused by a blind spot, I shudder. A blind spot is like a deadly black hole on the road, where motorcyclists simply vanish from the driver’s view,” one reader commented. Others warned against the risky habit of riding too close to large vehicles to avoid sun or traffic jams, essentially putting oneself in the danger zone.

Another reader pointed out that installing cameras or sensors remains voluntary rather than mandatory, urging authorities to enforce stricter safety regulations. Others emphasized that motorcyclists themselves must keep a safe distance and suggested that driving tests should include practical lessons on identifying and avoiding blind spots.

Stronger enforcement needed
Several readers argued that safety technology should no longer be optional. They called for laws requiring trucks and buses to install 360-degree cameras or blind spot sensors, with heavy penalties for non-compliance. Regular inspections by traffic police and vehicle registries were also recommended to ensure safety devices work properly.

In addition, many urged that driver training programs for both car and motorcycle licenses include mandatory lessons on blind spot risks. Public campaigns should reinforce one vital rule: never ride parallel to, or too close in front of, large vehicles. Always keep enough distance to remain visible in their mirrors.

The message is clear: blind spots are not just technical limitations but deadly traps. Only a combination of law enforcement, technology, and driver responsibility can break this chain of preventable accidents.