Traffic accidents drop to record low

The event drew the attendance of Permanent Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh who is also the Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC), ministerial and local leaders. 

The NTSC reported that in the first half of 2019, traffic accidents dropped in three criteria to the record low over the past years. Specifically, in January-June period, 8,385 cases of traffic accidents occurred, down over 7% in number. The accidents claimed 3,810 lives (down 7.5%) and injured 6,358 others (down over 9.6%). 

Forty-seven provinces and cities witnessed lower number of traffic accident deaths. However, 11 other localities saw the number  rising.

In the reviewed period, traffic police  investigated and punished nearly 2 million cases of traffic safety infringements to collect VND 1.2 trillion of fine. In addition, 163,990 driving licenses were withdrawn. Over 292,000 vehicles were temporarily captured. Over 78,117 cases of alcohol violations were discovered. Up to 239 cases of drug users were disclosed.

In the first half of 2019, 207,000 cars and 1.63 million motorbikes were registered , raising the total number of registered vehicles to over 4.17 million cars and 61.3 million motorbikes. 

However, the NTSC reported that traffic accidents still took place complicated with 19 serious cases leading to 73 deaths and 87 injuried. The Committee pointed to violation of road users, heavy  truck, drivers' alcohol and drug use as the cause of the problem.

The Ministry of Public Security reported that they would strengthen investigations to early discover and impose tough punishment on transport safety infringements especially those on speed, alcohol levels, automobile seat belts, and helmet wearing.

The Ministry of Transport would consider amending regulations on knowledge testing on driving license granting, putting an end to traffic problems elated to BOT road tool stations; and terminating ‘black’ points on transport accidents at national roads in 2019./. 

By Kim Loan