Foreigners advised to adhere to traffic regulations, as reckless driving incidents caught on camera prompt authorities' concern.
The tropical paradise of Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and motorbike adventures. But recently, the traffic scene on this picturesque island has been anything but idyllic. Foreigners, particularly those who rent motorbikes without the necessary credentials or knowledge of local traffic laws, have been caught engaging in reckless and illegal activities on the roads.
Last Sunday, a Russian tourist named Vanov Aleksandr, 45, was caught on camera driving a rented motorbike without a helmet, with both hands off the steering, and without a valid driving license. The hair-raising stunt put not only himself at risk but also endangered other road users on Highway 973 in Xóm Mới Hamlet, Bãi Thơm Commune, Phú Quốc City.
The police promptly identified Aleksandr, who resides in Ông Lang Village, Cửa Dương Commune, and charge him with several offenses, including driving without a helmet, using both hands off the steering, and operating a motorbike without the required Vietnamese driving license. The rented motorbike, bearing license plate 77E1 - 344.21, was detained for ten days according to the law.
The motorbike's owner, Phạm Thị Diễn, was also questioned regarding her role in handing over the vehicle to an unqualified individual, violating Clause 1, Article 56 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order.
Traffic police give an administrative violation record to Aleksandr. - Photo baophapluat.vn
Motorbike Rental Risks and Rewards
Motorbike rentals are a popular choice among tourists seeking freedom and flexibility in exploring Phu Quoc. However, many foreign tourists opt for this mode of transport without the required Vietnamese driving license, which may lead to dangerous situations and run-ins with the law. Some have never even driven a motorbike before, leading to violations such as driving without a helmet, running red lights, driving in the wrong lane, and even operating under the influence.
These behaviors not only potentially cause accidents for tourists but also pose a threat to other drivers' safety. Phu Quoc has witnessed a spate of accidents involving foreigners, with some motorbike rental owners facing penalties for renting vehicles to tourists who flout traffic laws. This highlights the need for better enforcement and education of traffic regulations among foreign tourists.
Stay on the Straight and Narrow
Aleksandr drives with both hands off the steering. - Photo baophapluat.vn
To ensure a safe and incident-free trip to Phu Quoc, tourists should familiarize themselves with local traffic laws, invest in a valid Vietnamese driver's license or an international driver's license recognized in Vietnam, wear helmets, and follow all traffic signals and signs. For added safety and compliance, consider utilizing licensed taxi services or public transportation. After all, the last thing anyone wants is to end a tropical getaway with a run-in with the traffic police or worse—an accident.
- Although the tropical island of Phu Quoc is renowned for motorbike adventures, the recent traffic chaos has raised concerns, as foreign tourists, such as Aleksandr, have been found to violate traffic laws, driving without helmets, both hands off the steering, and without a license.
- The incident on Highway 973 demonstrated the consequences of irresponsible behavior, as Aleksandr, a Russian tourist living in Ong Lang Village, faced charges for multiple offenses, including operating a motorbike without the required Vietnamese driving license.
- Additionally, the motorbike's owner, Pham Thi Diein, is being questioned for renting the bike to an unqualified individual, potentially violating the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order.
- While motorbike rentals provide tourists with freedom on Phu Quoc, the risks of violating traffic laws and causing accidents have led to penalties for rentals companies and accidents involving foreigners.
- To avoid such incidents, it is essential for tourists to understand local traffic laws, obtain a valid Vietnamese or international driver's license, wear helmets, and follow all traffic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Phu Quoc.
