How to Ride Safely When a Large Truck Is Beside You
Riding a motorbike around Ho Chi Minh City means sharing the road with cars, buses, and large trucks. These vehicles are much bigger than motorbikes and have blind spots where drivers may not see you.
When traffic is busy, it can be tempting to ride close to a truck or squeeze through a narrow gap. However, large vehicles need extra room to turn, stop, and change lanes.
Learning how to ride safely beside a large truck can help you make better decisions and reduce unnecessary risks on Saigon’s busy roads.
Here are five practical tips to remember whenever you share the road with a large vehicle.
1. Avoid Riding in a Truck’s Blind Spots
Large trucks have areas around them where the driver may have limited or no visibility. These blind spots can be beside the cab, directly behind the truck, and near parts of the vehicle that cannot be seen clearly through the mirrors.
If you ride in one of these areas, the driver may not notice you when turning or changing lanes.
A useful habit is to avoid staying beside a truck for longer than necessary. If you cannot see the driver’s face in the side mirror, assume the driver may not be able to see you.
However, being able to see a mirror does not guarantee that the driver has noticed you.
Keep a safe distance and avoid lingering alongside the truck. If you cannot move away safely, reduce your speed and wait for a better opportunity.
2. Keep a Safe Distance Behind the Truck
Following too closely behind a large truck can leave you with very little time to react if it slows down or stops suddenly.
A truck may also block your view of traffic conditions ahead, including potholes, roadworks, and vehicles braking further down the road.
To reduce these risks:
- Leave enough space between your motorbike and the truck.
- Increase your following distance when the road is wet.
- Watch for brake lights and changes in speed.
- Avoid moving directly behind the truck if you cannot see what is happening ahead.
- Never assume the truck will move at a constant speed.
A safe following distance gives you more time to respond if traffic changes unexpectedly.
In Saigon, where traffic can slow down quickly, keeping space around your motorbike is particularly important.
3. Don’t Squeeze Between a Truck and the Curb
One of the most dangerous situations occurs when a motorbike rides between a large truck and the curb.
A truck needs extra room to make a turn. Depending on its size and direction, its wheels and body may move into an area that appears clear at first.
If you are riding beside the truck, you may have very little room to escape when it begins turning.
Be especially careful near intersections, narrow streets, and entrances where large vehicles may need to manoeuvre.
If a truck is preparing to turn, do not try to squeeze past it on the inside. Stay out of its turning path and wait until you can proceed safely.
A small gap is not necessarily a safe gap. It is better to wait than to become trapped between a large vehicle and the roadside.
4. Be Careful at Intersections
Intersections require extra attention because trucks may turn, change position, or move through traffic differently from smaller vehicles.
When approaching an intersection beside a truck, slow down and assess its movement. Do not assume the truck is travelling straight simply because it has not started turning yet.
Follow these safety habits:
- Avoid riding alongside a truck as you approach a junction.
- Do not race the truck to cross an intersection.
- Stay clear of its turning path.
- Watch for changes in direction and speed.
- Follow traffic signals and road markings.
If a truck is turning, give it enough room to complete the manoeuvre. Never attempt to overtake it while it is turning or position your motorbike where it could be trapped by the vehicle’s movement.
Being patient at an intersection can help you avoid a dangerous situation.
5. Let the Truck Go First When Necessary
Sometimes, the safest decision is to slow down and allow a large truck to move ahead.
For example, you may find yourself beside a truck on a narrow road, approaching a busy junction, or entering a section where there is not enough space for both vehicles.
Rather than trying to move through a tight gap, create space when it is safe to do so.
You can reduce your speed, remain in a visible position, and wait until the truck has completed its manoeuvre. Avoid sudden braking or changing direction without checking the traffic around you.
If you feel trapped or cannot clearly judge the truck’s movement, do not force your way forward.
Arriving a little later is better than taking an unnecessary risk.
Extra Tips for Riding Around Large Vehicles in Saigon
The five main rules are useful whenever you share the road with a truck, but a few additional habits can make your ride safer.
Stay Alert and Look Ahead
Do not focus only on the truck beside you. Check the road ahead, the traffic behind you, and the available space around your motorbike.
This helps you recognise possible problems earlier and avoid sudden movements.
Make Yourself Visible
Use your lights when appropriate and avoid riding in areas where other drivers are unlikely to notice you.
Wearing suitable protective clothing can also help other road users see you, especially in poor weather or low-light conditions.
Adjust to Wet Weather
Rain can reduce visibility and make the road slippery. Leave more space, brake gently, and avoid moving into narrow gaps beside large vehicles.
If heavy rain makes it difficult to judge the road, slow down and stop somewhere safe if necessary.
Choose a Motorbike You Can Control Comfortably
A motorbike that feels manageable at low speeds can help you respond more confidently to changing traffic conditions.
Before riding in busy areas, make sure you are comfortable with the brakes, throttle, steering, and overall balance of your motorbike.
Ride Safely Around Saigon With JAN’S MOTORBIKE
Sharing the road with large trucks is part of riding around Ho Chi Minh City. By avoiding blind spots, keeping a safe distance, and staying clear of turning vehicles, you can make safer decisions during your daily journeys.
At JAN’S MOTORBIKE, we want every customer to feel comfortable and confident on the road.
- Excellent condition, ready to ride
- Complimentary helmet and phone holder
- Free test ride before you decide
- Friendly and responsive support during your rental
Contact JAN’S MOTORBIKE: +84909 29 0078 (WhatsApp,Zalo)
Find Us: 5, 5th Street An Phu Ward, District 2
Check for full available motorbike HERE.
