A careless door-opening incident involving a white Ford Ranger pickup truck almost caused a severe accident on National Highway 38B, Di Che Commune, Tien Lu District, Hung Yen Province.

The incident occurred at 3:36 PM on March 29 and was recorded by the dashcam of a car following behind.

The dangerous incident

The video, shared on the OFFB social media platform by user Hung Tran, has sparked widespread concern over the potential danger involved. The white Ford Ranger was parked tightly against the right curb, occupying most of the motorcycle lane. Suddenly, the driver opened the door forcefully without checking for oncoming traffic, just as a motorbike approached at speed.

The unexpected collision caused the motorbike rider to crash onto the road, visibly shaken. What made the situation even more hazardous was a black Nissan Navara pickup truck traveling right behind. Fortunately, the Nissan driver reacted quickly, swerving left in time to avoid a serious accident by mere inches.

Careless door opening - a recurring safety hazard

Careless door opening from parked vehicles is a common yet dangerous occurrence on roads. Sudden door openings without proper observation often result in collisions with motorcycles and bicycles, leaving riders with little time to react. In some cases, victims may fall into the path of other moving vehicles, causing severe or even fatal injuries.

Opening a car door requires basic safety skills to protect oneself and others. It is crucial to look ahead, behind, and to the side before opening a door, especially when parked along a busy road.

Legal regulations and penalties

The Road Traffic Safety Law clearly stipulates how to open car doors safely. Article 19 of the law states: "Car doors may only be opened when the vehicle has stopped or parked. Before opening the door, the person must check the front, rear, and the side where the door will open. Only when it is safe can the door be opened and the person exit. Do not leave the door open if it is not safe."

From January 1, 2025, violations related to careless door opening will face stricter penalties under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP. According to Clause 5, Article 6 of the decree, those who open or leave car doors unsafely will be fined between 4 to 6 million VND (around 170 to 255 USD). If the act results in a traffic accident, the fine increases to 20 to 22 million VND (approximately 850 to 935 USD), and the violator’s driver's license may be deducted by up to 10 points.

In cases of serious harm to health, life, or property, the violator may also face criminal charges under Article 260 of the Penal Code 2015 (amended and supplemented in 2017).

Hoang Hiep