Vietnam: What are the answers to the "Cuộc thi An toàn giao thông cho nụ cười ngày mai" (Competition on Traffic Safety for Tomorrow's Smiles) for lower secondary school teachers and students in the 2024-2025 academic year?

a) I agree with Mai's opinion because according to traffic safety regulations, a passenger using an umbrella on a bicycle is a violation. Holding an umbrella on a bike can impede the vision of both the operator and the passenger, increasing the risk of collisions. Especially in crowded areas or when moving at high speed, holding an umbrella can unbalance the bike, posing danger to both the rider and other traffic participants. Moreover, both the operator and the passenger must adhere to regulations to ensure their safety and that of others.

b) To ensure safety when participating in traffic by bicycle and electric bicycle, several important measures need to be followed. First, regular inspection and maintenance of the bicycle are necessary to ensure that parts such as brakes, lights, wheels, and horns are in good working order. This helps minimize the risk of incidents while moving. For electric bicycles, both the operator and passenger should wear helmets, which are effective protection for the head and also demonstrates traffic rule compliance. Additionally, helmets provide protection against weather impacts like intense heat or heavy rain. Walking in the correct lane and complying with traffic signals are crucial as well, helping reduce collisions and maintaining traffic order. Traffic participants should also operate at suitable speeds, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and avoid using umbrellas or objects that cause distractions. Tidy clothing, avoiding long or entangled garments also aids stability when operating. All these factors must be simultaneously implemented to protect the safety of oneself and others in traffic.

Question 2. Relate to the current practice of students riding bicycles to school and propose measures to the school to help students recognize and act correctly when participating in traffic.

Measures to help students recognize and act correctly when participating in traffic by bicycle should combine theoretical education with practical practice, creating a safe learning environment and encouraging students' self-awareness.

1. Strengthen education on traffic laws

The school should organize thematic classes on traffic laws specifically for students, especially those related to cycling. These classes can take place during class hours, extracurricular sessions, or invite experts from transportation agencies to share. Clear explanations of traffic laws not only help students understand their rights and obligations when participating in traffic but also help them realize the consequences of violations. Additionally, the school can distribute materials and illustrative images about safe commuting, thus creating conditions for students to easily remember and apply.

2. Organize practical activities to practice safe cycling skills

To ensure students not only grasp the theory but also have practical skills, the school should organize practice sessions on the school grounds or in safe surrounding areas. These practice sessions can help students learn how to check their bicycles before riding, maintain balance while controlling, practice hand signals when turning or stopping, and understand lane discipline. These practical sessions not only enhance riding skills but also augment students' safety awareness.

3. Implement disciplinary and reward measures

The school can apply disciplinary and reward regulations to enhance students' self-awareness when participating in traffic. For example, students who comply well with traffic laws and are conscious of protecting themselves and their friends while cycling will be rewarded, whereas those who violate, such as riding two or three abreast, or not wearing helmets, may be reminded or lightly penalized. These measures will help students recognize the importance of complying with safety regulations when participating in traffic.

4. Equip infrastructure to support traffic safety

The school should also invest in infrastructure to support students' safe cycling, such as dedicated bike parking areas, covered waiting shelters, and traffic signs at school gates. Having a safe and orderly bike parking area helps students easily store their vehicles, while traffic signs help them form habits of obeying traffic rules as soon as they exit the school gates.

5. Create an environment for students to share and learn from each other's experiences

Competitions or group discussions on the topic "Traffic Safety" will provide opportunities for students to share their own real experiences or situations they have encountered. Sharing among peers often creates positive influences, as they can easily absorb and empathize with each other. These discussions, in addition to enhancing awareness, also strengthen friendships and encourage them to support and remind each other when participating in traffic.