Vietnam: Triangular road markings cause driver confusion and safety fears

A new type of road marking, featuring large triangular patterns that take up an entire lane, has caused confusion and alarm among drivers in Vietnam's Quang Tri province. The markings have appeared on straight sections of National Highway 1, a major route, forcing motorists to make sudden, unexpected maneuvers to avoid them.

Drivers report being startled by the sudden appearance of these "fishbone" or "triangular" markings, particularly on stretches where the road is otherwise clear and straight. The patterns extend across the right lane in the direction of travel, prompting drivers to veer into adjacent lanes. This sudden change in road layout not only creates a risk of collision with other vehicles but also raises concerns about being penalized for crossing the lines, even when attempting to navigate the unusual markings.

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Đang chạy đúng phần đường thẳng của làn phải, tài xế chúng tôi hay bị bất ngờ khi đến vị trí này bỗng nhiên giữa đường xuất hiện hệ thống vạch kẻ xương cá chiếm hết trọn làn đường đang đi. Nhiều khi bẻ lái không kịp là bị đè lên vạch. Rất dễ bị phạt

One driver expressed the common sentiment: "While driving in the correct straight lane, we drivers are often surprised when we reach this point and suddenly a fishbone marking appears in the middle of the road, taking up the entire lane we are in. Many times, we can't swerve in time and end up running over the line. It's very easy to get fined."

Officials from the Road Management Office II.4 clarified that these are "traffic channeling lines" intended to guide vehicles. They are typically used where there is a junction or a busy public facility on the opposite side of the road. The purpose is to reduce speed and improve safety by creating a designated channel, often leading to straight or turning lanes. However, the implementation on seemingly straightforward highway sections has left many drivers bewildered about their purpose and safety implications.

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Vạch này thường được sử dụng khi ở làn đối diện bên trái có ngã ba, hoặc công sở có lượng người qua lại đông. Nó như đảo vạch sơn, để các xe giảm tốc độ. Sau khi qua đảo này sẽ có làn đi thẳng hoặc làn rẽ trái. Việc này để tăng độ an toàn cho phương tiện nhưng không nhiều người hiểu ý nghĩa của nó