Compared to the same period last year, the number of traffic accidents fell by more than 160 and the number of injured fell by 700. However, over the past six months, traffic accidents claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people. On average, 35 people are killed by traffic accidents every day. The responsibility falls squarely on those who use the roads.

Up to 80 percent of traffic accidents are due to speed violations, lack of observation or reckless driving.

Busses overloading passengers increase sharply

Buses overloaded with passengers have become a common in society. In the first half of this year, the number of traffic accidents caused by overloaded buses have increased by more than 20 percent compared to the same period last year. The number of deaths will increase if the relevant agencies fail to solve the problem. Captain Tran Thanh Hai from the traffic police department of Nghe An province said “Imposing a fine of VND1 million for reckless driving is too lenient”.

It is also difficult to enforce the wearing of helmets at all localities. In fact, there have been 15 cases of aggression against on-duty officers in the first half of this year, leaving five injured and one dead.

In addition, many localities are deficient in ensuring traffic safety and orders. In some provinces, local authorities have not taken drastic enough measures. Only when the number of traffic accidents increase, do they launch campaigns to ensure safety on the roads. However, potential dangerous situation remains where inspection and punishment for traffic violations are regularly compromised.

Measures to improve traffic safety enhanced

From now till the end of the year, relevant authorities and local leaders must be more responsible and proactive.

Localities need to devise traffic safety programmes suitable for each region. It is also necessary to make full use of the role of political organisations, collectives and local units in maintaining traffic safety, to recognise and award individuals and collectives who greatly contribute to ensuring traffic safety as well as strictly punish those who violate traffic regulations or fail to manage traffic safety.

From July 10-August 10, the Department of Road-Railway Traffic Police under the Ministry of Public Security, will co-operate with localities along National Highway No.1 from northern Lang Son province to central Ha Tinh province to monitor traffic activities and tackle violation cases. This is one of the campaigns conducted by the Department of Traffic Police from now till the end of the year in a bid to reduce traffic accidents. 

In addition, regulations on administrative fines against traffic violators should be supplemented to deter violators, as well as protect the lives of those using the roads.