Hanoi Truck Mirror Mishaps: A Close Call and a Lesson for Drivers

“Ugh…!” Mr. Hai, a Dongfeng truck driver with nearly a decade of experience, exclaimed in frustration as his passenger-side mirror was knocked askew after a sudden collision with a motorbike attempting to squeeze through a narrow gap. Fortunately, the impact was minor, and both Mr. Hai and the motorcyclist were unharmed. However, the incident forced Mr. Hai to pull over on Giai Phong Road to find a temporary fix for the damaged mirror.

This near-miss reminded Mr. Hai of a recent incident where he witnessed a heavy truck, after losing its side mirror, collide with another motorbike due to an obstructed blind spot. The consequences were far more severe. So, what exactly is “mirror clipping”? What causes it, and how can it be prevented? Let’s delve into this issue in detail.

Truck Mirror Clipping: A Persistent Problem on the Roads

What is Truck Mirror Clipping?

“Mirror clipping” is a colloquial term referring to the phenomenon of truck side mirrors being broken or damaged due to collisions with other vehicles, particularly motorbikes, while on the road.

Car mirror collision

Causes of Truck Mirror Clipping

There are numerous reasons for this problem, the most common being:

• Poor Driving Habits: Many motorcyclists frequently weave through traffic, squeeze into tight spaces, and attempt to overtake without sufficient clearance, leading to collisions with truck side mirrors.
• Road Infrastructure: Some roads, especially in urban areas, are often congested, narrow, and lack dedicated motorbike lanes, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of collisions.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Many drivers, especially new ones, lack the experience to handle unexpected situations, making them prone to collisions when encountering reckless drivers.

Broken side mirror

Consequences of Truck Mirror Clipping

While mirror clipping may not be a major accident, it can cause significant inconvenience and unforeseen consequences:

• Property Damage: Damaged or broken mirrors require repair or replacement, incurring costs for vehicle owners.
• Traffic Safety Risks: Side mirrors are crucial for drivers to observe the rear and sides of their vehicles. Damaged mirrors limit visibility, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
• Psychological Distress: Even minor collisions can cause stress and frustration for those involved, potentially leading to arguments, altercations, or even physical confrontations.

Preventing Truck Mirror Clipping – Protecting Yourself and Others

To minimize truck mirror clipping, everyone needs to improve their road awareness and driving habits:

• Drive in the correct lane and observe speed limits.
• Check carefully before changing lanes or turning, yielding to other vehicles when necessary.
• Ensure your vehicle is equipped with fully functional side mirrors offering a wide field of vision.
• Install a dashcam to record your journey and provide evidence in case of an incident.

According to Nguyen Van A, author of “Safe Driving,” “Truck mirror clipping is not just a matter of traffic awareness but also a cultural issue. Be a civilized driver, respect traffic laws, and protect yourself and those around you.”

What Challenges Do You Face While Driving?

• Have you ever experienced mirror clipping?
• What do you do to prevent it?
• Do you have any experiences you would like to share with us?

Leave a comment below to share your experiences and contribute to building a safe traffic culture for everyone.

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