President praises man who stopped an out-of-control motorbike on mountainside

Chairman of Tam Đảo District People’s Committee Đinh Văn Mười (right) presents a Certificate of Merit to Đinh Văn Chiến. Photo baovinhphuc.com.vn

VĨNH PHÚC — A man from Vĩnh Phúc Province, Đinh Văn Chiến, has been named a hero and praised by President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc for his actions in stopping an out-of-control motorbike on Tam Đảo Pass. 

Chiến, from Hồ Sơn Commune, Tam Đảo District, Vĩnh Phúc Province, is a consultant and real estate broker with a lot of experience travelling the Tam Đảo Pass, having provided mobile motorcycle repair services on this route for seven years.

On May 29, when he spotted a motorbike travelling down the pass at high speed, with the rider dragging his feet on the road, he knew that the motorbike’s brakes had failed, and disaster wasn’t far away. 

“I saw the motorbike going in the opposite direction from me, following a passenger car. The bike served at a high speed to avoid the back of the passenger car,” Chiến told the local Vĩnh Phúc newspaper.

With his experience, Chiến knew the motorbike had lost its brakes. He promptly turned around to give chase. 

“I had to pass many cars to reach that motorbike. I tried to grab the back of the motorbike to slow its speed, while still driving my own bike,” Chiến said. 

“Luckily, with the help of three people (including a child and a woman), we stopped the bike in time.”

Chiến repaired the bike’s brakes before carrying on to repair a car for a customer in Tam Đảo Township. 

Chiến’s heroics were recorded on a dashcam on Wednesday and quickly spread on social networks, where he has been dubbed a hero, though he is shy to use the term himself. 

“I’m not a hero. I had the experience and ability to help, so I should do it. Anyone in this situation would do the same.”

Talking about Chiến’s brave actions, Chairman of Hồ Sơn Commune People’s Committee Lưu Văn Minh said: “This is not the first time Chiến has saved a vehicle that lost its brakes on Tam Đảo Pass. I know he has done this 5-7 times to save people on this road.”

Chiến was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the People’s Committee of Tam Đảo District for his outstanding achievements in helping people in emergencies. 

President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Tuesday also sent a letter of commendation to Chiến for his brave action in rescuing the motorbike carrying three people from a dangerous situation.

The President emphasised that his actions are a shining example of courage to help people in need. His actions deserve praise and to be spread in the community.

He suggested the authorities continue to promote coordination and synchronous solutions to minimise traffic accidents, especially on mountain passes and slopes, and to raise awareness for road users. VNS