Major General Lê Xuân Đức, deputy head of the Traffic Police Department. Photo csgt.vn

In a recent interview with Dân Trí (Intellectuals) online newspaper, Major General Lê Xuân Đức, deputy head of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security talks about the traffic situation in 2022 and his views on solutions to reduce road accidents and fatalities. 

How do you evaluate the traffic situation in Việt Nam in 2022?

In 2022, the pandemic was brought under control and the demand for travelling and commuting increased. Given the socio-economic development and the annual 15-20 per cent growth of vehicles, it can be said that the traffic landscape this year was quite complicated.

More than 10,300 traffic accidents occurred, killing over 5,800 people and leaving nearly 7,000 others injured. Compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic period, the number of traffic accidents, deaths and injuries decreased 35 per cent, 16.6 per cent and 43 per cent respectively. However, compared to last year, the first two figures increased 2 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. 

In Hà Nội, there are 24 “black spots” prone to traffic accidents. So far this year, the capital has recorded 688 traffic accidents, killing 340 people and injuring 475 others.

However, traffic congestion increased and became more complicated in 2022. It occurs mostly in gateways into the city and belt roads around the city.

Reasons leading to these problems include urban development, growth of vehicles, poor organisation of traffic and the awareness of people. 

Regarding the traffic accident victims, which age groups are they?

According to the Traffic Police Department, 80 per cent of traffic accident victims in Việt Nam are between 20 and 50 years old. This is heartbreaking for us. It is a loss in terms of human and labour force and also creates long-term social burdens. We share the loss and pain with the victims’ families.

As a person with several years of experience working in the traffic sector, what are your recommendations to address this saddening issue?

The majority of traffic accidents are related to drinking. This is due to the drinking culture and low level of law compliance in Việt Nam.

It’s easy to see drivers not complying with traffic laws. Videos showing two coaches blocking each other on the national road, cars driving into an emergency stopping lane on the highway, vehicles not giving way to emergency vehicles, and drunk driving, are common.

However, I must say that we haven’t done enough communication work to raise awareness of those in the working age group (which accounts for a majority of road accident fatalities). In fact, the communication work has been done quite well in residential areas, yet the recipients of these communication campaigns are mostly the elderly, not vehicle users (who are mostly in working age groups), who often go out for work. 

Traffic law enforcement can contribute to road safety, according to Major General Lê Xuân Đức. VNA/VNS Photo

Therefore, it is important to have different communication methods to target this group of vehicle users in order to raise awareness and adjust their behaviour. Besides, strict handling (of violations) also has an important role in ensuring traffic safety.

Could you elaborate on drunk driving?

We have the motto ''Don’t drink and drive''. This should be translated into acts of each and every individual, business, restaurant and the whole of society.

Many restaurants have had services to take their customers home if they drink or they only operate within specific hours. This should be the culture and new habit. Other factors including strict punishments (including fines of up to VNĐ17 million) will also help drivers be aware of the consequences of drunk driving. Among them, the immediate consequence would be heavy fines. This should help to raise their awareness and change their (drinking) habit.

What about the youth, how can they be the agent of change? 

I still remember the image of a pupil bowing their head to say thank you after a car driver gives way to them to cross the road. This is a very beautiful image. It makes me think that the change in traffic culture in Việt Nam may start with the habit of queuing and giving way to each other. When each one of us is willing to give way to each other, is respectful and grateful for the other’s kindness like that, it will have a ripple effect to improve the traffic situation in Việt Nam.

As a traffic police and a father, what message would you give to the young generation about traffic safety?

My message for the young Vietnamese young people as the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday approaches is simply “Don’t drink and drive”. VNS