Despite a drop in traffic accidents, the total number of fatalities was still 2 percent higher than in the same period last year. Those having traffic accident injuries are also higher than those suffering from HIV/AIDS and epidemics. More serious still, the number of traffic accident related deaths accounts for even more than that of casualties caused by wars and conflicts around the world in a year.

The statistics have set alarm bells ringing about the public’s sense of responsibility.

On December 12, two traffic accidents occurred in the central province of Quang Tri’s Cam Lo district and on the Hanoi-HCM City highway, claming two lives. Vehicles plunging over cliffs, crashes and fatalities have become a common occurrence in today’s society.

However, it is unacceptable that 33 traffic accidents were reported each day in October this year, killing 31 people and injuring 21 others.

Over 1,000 traffic accidents are reported every month and by the end of October, the number of traffic accident related deaths had hit 9,371 (Not including 6,000 injuries).

Despite having no an accurate number, the number of casualties are certainly higher than that of victims in wars and conflicts across the world over the past ten months.

It is no exaggeration that Vietnamese people are the worst at obeying traffic regulations in the world. Road users who defy traffic laws by driving too fast, elbowing others out and even insulting them, are often seen in the streets. This poor awareness of traffic laws causes more fatal traffic accidents in Vietnam than any other country.

Vietnam’s traffic laws are written in law so the most effective way of improving the situation is to implement laws and all violations must be heavily fined. But who else apart from the traffic police and inspectors can keep order?

If we list the causes of traffic accidents we can easily see who is responsible. Each citizen is responsible for keeping to the traffic law but individuals who are responsible must be identified.

To improve people’s awareness and responsibility for traffic accidents the media must report accidents in detail and regularly as well as the fate of the victims and their relatives, which would help to raise road users’ awareness.