Job Discussion Forums

[cb400]

[skarper]

Though the electricity to charge the batteries must be supplied by burning petrol the amount used would be very small and unnoticeable.

Driving 'better' with less spurts and braking hard would certainly make far more difference.

The bad driving is one of he major nuisances of living here. It just makes any travel unpleasant and tends to make me stay home more than I would ideally.

[JSutt]

[skarper]

I don't think it is rational at all - but it is an understandable mistake to make.

If you don't use your battery to run the lights its lifespan will be shortened - offsetting any saving from fuel consumption. Also - I thought the alternator will run anyway and try to charge the battery?

In Da Nang I don't see a lot of folks driving without lights. Bicycles yes - electric or pedal - and that is doubly dangerous because they are silent.

The number one danger IMO is accelerating too fast and braking too hard. If people could somehow be educated to drive smoothly it would save energy, their money and most importantly lives.

But Vietnam is far from the only country with this problem.

[montblanc20]

Be careful with braking too hard. I was driving at an ok speed and braked when the light turned red. A lot of motorbikes behind me ran the red light and one honked at me because I stopped too quickly. I guess if it's close, then you're just supposed to go through it.

[cb400]

'Fuel runs the light' -This is completely false. I normally don't argue with Vietnamese about their 'myths' but really?

How much am I using when the motor is off and the lights are on? None. The lights will stay on until the battery is dead of I recharge the battery with the generator (most bikes use a gen not an alt.)

yes, yes I know that charging the battery will technically pull from the engine using a slight bit more fuel.... 0.5 - 0.75% more maybe..

I would like to counter this by saying use the feckin horn every 2 seconds like an idiot is going to use more gas that the lights... same principal really.

Driving with no lights to save gas is as stupid as using the horn every 2 seconds..

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/technical-articles/how-motorcycle-charging-system-works

[I'm With Stupid]

[ExpatLuke]

I've actually noticed an improvement in stopping for red lights at least here in danang. And the people that still run them are usually given dirty glares.

[skarper]

Enforcing traffic regulations could be done with a sustained effort.

On the spot fines with more severe penalties for repeat offenders would help a lot. Some driver education films on TV would help too.

As always this will be difficult to implement due to the usual problems, but it could be done. Given the deteriorating traffic situation something will have to be done or it will become impossible to move about the larger cities at all.

Helmets are an example of what could be done. I know 60% do not wear helmets in a manner that would actually do any good - but it is a start.

[Oh My God]

[montblanc20]

Do any of you ride with earplugs? I am starting to think that it is a good idea for riding over 40 mph for long distances. My ears are ringing very badly today.

[ExpatLuke]

I've never thought of using ear plugs. I've never had my ears hurt or ring driving around. And I drive between Danang and Hoi An at more than double that speed. Perhaps there's another cause.

[cb400]

[Demonietto]