I sent the Vietnam clip to a friend who had been to Vietnam and here was his reply
I am proud to be able to say that I did survive the carnage and chaos of Viet Nam...and that was AFTER the war, about 4 years ago. Motorcycles rule! What's more unbelievable is that I crossed that intersection...as a pedestrian! It's in the center of the City and is one of the busiest thoroughfares.
We were sternly warned that once we stepped off into the street, we were to continue to move across the street and to NEVER stop or turn around. If we did either, were certain to be run over, multiples of times. The traffic moves by what can only be thought of as Brownian Movement, almost totally random, but without collisions (almost!).
As you cross the street, the approaching vehicles observe you and swerve just enough to allow you space to continue on your trajectory. This swerving on their part must include the vehicles immediately adjacent to them, hence the likely hood of your being struck if you suddenly deviate from your path and pace, only so much adjustment is possible in such tight quarters.
After a while you get used to it and it is no longer terrifying...more just exciting...and, yet, totally amazing once you get to the other side.
