A driver in southern Vietnam has been fined VND5 million (US$190) after briefly letting go of the steering wheel to check his phone, causing his vehicle to crash into a parked truck and panicking passengers on board.
Provincial traffic police said on Jan. 10 that the driver, identified as Vo Duy Khanh, 27, from Dong Thap Province, was penalized for holding and using a mobile phone while driving.
Footage captured the moment a male driver took his hands off the wheel to check his phone, leading to a crash, Jan. 5, 2026. Video obtained by Read
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Jan. 5 as Khanh was driving the van carrying more than 10 people along National Highway 50. His phone was placed next to the steering wheel.
While passing through My Phong Ward, the driver noticed a message on his phone. He pulled down his face mask and removed both hands from the steering wheel in turn to hold and check the device for about 10 seconds, according to authorities.
Moments later, the vehicle crashed into a truck parked along the roadside. The impact sent shards of glass flying inside the vehicle, leaving many passengers frightened.
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The passenger vehicle’s door was torn off and fell onto the road after the crash. Photo obtained by Read |
Following the crash, the passenger vehicle’s door was torn off and thrown onto the road, while the truck suffered minor damage.
The driver stopped, negotiated with the truck driver, and continued the journey.
In addition to the fine, four points were deducted from his driver’s license.
Under Vietnam’s current traffic regulations, each driver’s license begins with 12 points. Losing all 12 points results in a driving ban, and offenders must wait at least six months before retaking the driving test.
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