January is not perfect.
(Baonghean) - "January is the month for fun and festivities," but even after saying Tet (Lunar New Year) is over, it's not quite over yet, because this is the time when people are most excited about going on spring trips and attending festivals. I just suggested to my mother that we go on a trip with my close friends, but she flatly refused: "Stay home and wait until after the full moon, then you can go wherever you want!" Completely surprised by my mother's contradictory attitude, I asked her why, and she immediately handed me a few newspapers.
During the Lunar New Year holiday, I was so busy eating and playing that I completely forgot to catch up on current events. I only just managed to flip through a few newspapers before I broke out in a sweat. It was all about accidents from North to South. So many people killed, so many injured – the tragedy was unbearable. Then there were news reports about traffic accidents during Tet caused by drunk driving, losing control, and not wearing helmets. It reminded me of the class reunion, riding with a pretty girl on the back, and her stubborn refusal to wear a helmet because she was afraid of ruining her Tet hairstyle – it sent shivers down my spine! At dinner, my mother brought up my request to go on a trip with friends, but then the TV reported on a long-distance passenger bus carrying more passengers than allowed, "escaping" like something out of an action movie on the highway. After forcibly getting a number of passengers off, the driver stubbornly sat down in front of the bus, refusing to cooperate with authorities to resolve the incident. Even when signaled to stop for a passenger and permit check, the vehicle sped off, ignoring the police officer standing in front. My mother sighed, "Traveling during Tet is like this—crowded, chaotic, and dangerous. Staying home is the safest option!"
I'm disheartened to think about the irony that January, supposed to be a month of travel and bustling activity, has become the "nightmare" of the year. But we can't blame January; ultimately, it's due to people's lack of awareness and disregard for traffic laws! Not only is there a lack of awareness for one's own safety, but the irresponsibility towards the safety of the community is the real danger. Even days before Tet (Lunar New Year), law enforcement officers were stationed at traffic checkpoints to limit congestion and chaos, reducing the risk of traffic accidents to ensure people could celebrate safely. Yet, while these traffic police officers had to sacrifice the joy of reuniting with their families on this meaningful holiday, there were those who, for their own excessive enjoyment, readily violated the law, endangering themselves and others.
Recently, there was another incident where a famous model, while intoxicated, insulted and resisted law enforcement officers simply because a taxi driver drove into a one-way street. Some people voiced their support, while others opposed and condemned the behavior. Frankly, I think that if the person involved wasn't a celebrity, this would be a common occurrence. Surely, we've all had our share of prejudices and animosity towards traffic police, for one reason or another. But deep down, we all understand that we're not entirely right, and in some cases, we're clearly wrong! Everyone likes sweet words and pleasant words, but without discipline, society would cease to be a society. Understanding and consciously adhering to the rules and regulations is the minimum requirement for a citizen who wants to be a part of society.
As I write these lines, I've decided to decline my friends' invitations. January is a month without fun and festivities, which is sad, but what can I do? Because I believe that, more than a fleeting moment of small joy, the safety of myself and the community is the more important thing that everyone must consciously protect. Only when we are aware of and act to maintain that order and discipline can we hope for complete joy!
Hai Trieu
