Car Seating Etiquette and Safety in Vietnam

Tet holiday brings the joy of family reunions, and I fondly remember a 29-seater bus trip from Hanoi to Nam Dinh. My family of five, loaded with belongings, eagerly boarded the bus at Nuoc Ngam station. Amidst the bustling crowd, my father, a seasoned Thaco Trường Giang truck driver for a dealership on Nguyen Van Linh Street, swiftly secured seats for us. He imparted a valuable lesson on “car seating etiquette” for safety and courtesy. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.

Car Seating Etiquette: For a Safe and Civilized Journey

Proper car seating etiquette might seem trivial, but it reflects cultural values and directly impacts everyone’s safety. So, what’s the proper seating arrangement in a car?

The Front Passenger Seat: A Position of Importance

The front passenger seat is typically reserved for elderly passengers or women.

Why?

• Safety: This position is less affected by side impacts and allows for easier escape if the driver’s side door is obstructed.
• Convenience: The front passenger can assist the driver with navigation, retrieving items, and more.

The Back Seat Behind the Driver: Safety and Comfort

The back seat behind the driver is often prioritized for children, the elderly, or those prone to motion sickness.

Reasons:

• Safety: This is generally considered the safest spot in the car, less susceptible to impact during collisions.
• Comfort: It offers more space, less noise, and reduced vibration from the engine.

The Middle Back Seat: The “Less Desirable” Yet Prioritized Spot

The middle back seat is usually reserved for smaller individuals or older children.

Why?

• Safety: While less comfortable than the adjacent seats, it’s still safer than the front middle seat.
• Space Optimization: It maximizes space for other passengers to sit more comfortably.