HOW TO STAY SAFE AROUND BUSES AND TRUCKS
Most motorbike riders in Ho Chi Minh City spend the majority of their time sharing the road with other scooters and motorcycles. Because of this, it is easy to become accustomed to riding around vehicles that are similar in size, speed, and maneuverability.
However, city roads are also filled with buses, trucks, delivery vehicles, construction vehicles, and commercial transport trucks. These larger vehicles operate very differently from motorbikes and require riders to adapt their riding habits accordingly.
A bus cannot stop as quickly as a motorbike. A truck cannot maneuver as easily through tight spaces. Large commercial vehicles often have substantial blind spots that prevent drivers from seeing smaller vehicles nearby.
Understanding these differences is one of the most important aspects of defensive riding. The goal is not to avoid large vehicles completely. Instead, it is to understand their limitations and position yourself in a way that reduces risk.
Fortunately, staying safe around buses and trucks is not complicated. It mostly comes down to awareness, patience, proper positioning, and good judgment.
Understand How Large Vehicles See the Road
One of the biggest mistakes riders make is assuming that large vehicle drivers have the same visibility as everyone else.
From a motorbike, you can usually see most of the traffic around you. Large vehicles are different. While drivers sit higher off the ground, their elevated position creates areas around the vehicle that can be surprisingly difficult to see.
The larger the vehicle, the larger these blind spots become.
A truck driver may have difficulty seeing a motorbike riding beside the cab. A bus driver may not notice a rider positioned too closely near the front corner of the vehicle. Areas directly behind large vehicles can also become completely invisible from the driver’s seat.
Understanding this reality changes the way experienced riders position themselves. They avoid lingering in areas where visibility may be limited and make an effort to remain where the driver is more likely to notice them.
Stay Out of Blind Spots Whenever Possible
Blind spots are one of the most common factors involved in accidents between motorbikes and larger vehicles.
When riding near a bus or truck, ask yourself a simple question: Can the driver easily see me?
If the answer is uncertain, it may be time to change your position.
Many experienced riders use a simple rule. If they cannot see the driver’s mirrors clearly, there is a good chance the driver cannot see them either.
Rather than riding alongside a large vehicle for an extended period, it is usually safer to either move ahead safely or remain behind at a comfortable distance. Staying beside a bus or truck for long periods increases the chances of becoming invisible to the driver at exactly the wrong moment.
Good positioning dramatically reduces risk without requiring any special riding skills.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Following too closely behind a large vehicle creates several problems.
The most obvious issue is visibility. A bus or truck can completely block your view of the road ahead, making it difficult to identify hazards, changing traffic conditions, or sudden stops.
If traffic slows unexpectedly several vehicles ahead, you may not notice until it is too late.
Another concern is visibility from other road users. When riding directly behind a large vehicle, other drivers may have difficulty seeing your motorbike.
Maintaining a larger following distance solves both problems. You gain a better view of developing situations and provide yourself with more time to react if conditions change suddenly.
Many riders underestimate how valuable a few extra meters of space can be until they find themselves needing that space during an emergency.
Expect Wide Turns and Unusual Maneuvers
Large vehicles cannot turn the way smaller vehicles do.
Because of their size and wheelbase, buses and trucks often need additional space to complete turns safely. This may cause them to swing wider than expected before entering a corner.
To an inexperienced rider, this movement can appear confusing. Some riders mistakenly assume the vehicle is moving away from the turn and attempt to pass on the inside.
This can be extremely dangerous.
When a truck or bus begins preparing for a turn, the safest approach is usually to give it plenty of room and avoid positioning yourself where the driver may not see you.
Patience during these situations is far safer than trying to gain a few seconds by squeezing through a narrowing space.
Be Extra Cautious at Intersections
Intersections already require increased attention from riders. When large vehicles are involved, the level of caution should increase even further.
Buses and trucks can block visibility in multiple directions. They may hide pedestrians, other vehicles, or developing hazards that would normally be visible.
Additionally, large vehicles often require more time and space to complete turns or maneuver through complex intersections.
Experienced riders understand that there is rarely any advantage to rushing around a bus or truck at an intersection.
Instead, they create additional space, observe carefully, and allow the situation to develop before making their move.
A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a serious mistake.
Watch for Sudden Stops
Unlike private vehicles, buses and commercial trucks frequently stop for operational reasons.
City buses stop to collect and drop off passengers. Delivery trucks stop to unload goods. Service vehicles may pull over unexpectedly when reaching their destination.
These stops can happen quickly and sometimes with limited warning.
Rather than assuming a large vehicle will continue moving at a steady pace, riders should constantly monitor brake lights, turn signals, and surrounding traffic behavior.
The sooner you recognize that a vehicle may be preparing to stop, the more smoothly you can adjust your own riding.
Early recognition prevents sudden braking and helps maintain a safer flow of traffic.
Give Large Vehicles More Space During Rain
Bad weather increases risk for everyone on the road, but large vehicles face additional challenges because of their size and weight.
Wet roads increase stopping distances. Visibility becomes more limited. Road markings may become slippery, and water can obscure hazards such as potholes or uneven pavement.
During rainy conditions, it is wise to increase your following distance even further when riding near buses and trucks.
Extra space provides more reaction time and reduces the likelihood of being caught off guard if the vehicle needs to brake unexpectedly.
Rain is one of the easiest times to underestimate risk, which is why experienced riders become more cautious rather than more aggressive when conditions deteriorate.
Never Assume the Driver Has Seen You
One of the most valuable defensive riding habits is avoiding assumptions.
Many close calls occur because riders believe they have been noticed when, in reality, they have not.
Just because you can see a truck or bus does not mean the driver can see you.
This is especially important near blind spots, intersections, and areas where multiple traffic movements are occurring simultaneously.
Defensive riders assume visibility must be earned rather than assumed. They use predictable positioning, avoid hidden areas, and ride in ways that make their presence easier to notice.
This mindset does not create fear.
It creates awareness.
And awareness is one of the strongest safety tools a rider can have.
Respect the Limitations of Large Vehicles
Many riders view buses and trucks as obstacles to get around.
Experienced riders see them differently.
They understand that these vehicles operate under limitations that motorbikes do not face. They require more space to stop, more room to turn, and more time to maneuver.
When riders recognize these limitations, they naturally begin making safer decisions.
They avoid unnecessary risks.
They create larger safety buffers.
They remain patient when large vehicles are maneuvering.
And they focus on cooperation rather than competition.
This approach makes the road safer for everyone involved.
Smart Positioning Leads to Safer Riding
Staying safe around buses and trucks is not about special techniques or advanced riding skills.
It comes down to understanding how these vehicles operate and adjusting your behavior accordingly.
By staying out of blind spots, maintaining safe following distances, anticipating wide turns, exercising patience at intersections, and remaining visible whenever possible, riders can significantly reduce their risk around larger vehicles.
Buses and trucks will always be part of city traffic.
The key is learning how to share the road with them safely.
When awareness, patience, and good positioning become habits, riding around large vehicles becomes far less stressful and far more predictable.
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