WHO praises efforts to boost traffic safety - Social Issues

Updated

October, 03 2012 09:05:04

WHO praises efforts to boost traffic safety

HA NOI (VNS)– The World Health Organisation has commended Viet Nam for its strengthened resolve to make roads safe following a newly-issued Government decree that imposes higher fines on traffic violators.

Decree No 71 addresses many important road safety issues and includes harsher penalties for drunk drinking, a major factor in road accidents in Viet Nam, according to a WHO press release.

"The causal relationship between alcohol and road trauma is well established and for the majority of adults, a few drinks in a short space of time is all it takes to seriously impair driving ability substantially increasing the risk of having a crash resulting in serious or even fatal injuries, " said Dr Takeshi Kasai, WHO Representative to Viet Nam.

According to the new decree, which takes effect in November, drunk drivers will be subject to a fine ranging from VND10 to 15 million, approximately half the average annual per capita income.

The penalties for motorbike drivers committing the same offence will be from VND2 to 3 million. In addition, all drivers and riders will also simultaneously lose their license and their vehicle for between 10 to 60 days. — VNS

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