Traffic police officers review GPS tracking data from commercial vehicles. — Photo baochinhphu.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security have identified more than 4,000 cases of commercial drivers exceeding legal working hours, based on data from vehicle tracking systems.

On Thursday, police officers reviewed 168 commercial vehicles and issued penalties in four cases, including two for exceeding permitted working hours and two for non-functioning tracking devices or failure to use driver ID cards.

Four companies were also cited for assigning vehicles to drivers who committed violations.

Authorities are verifying the 4,000-plus suspected cases and are issuing notices to the drivers and firms involved.

The department said it routinely analysed data from onboard tracking systems and cameras to detect and address violations, with the aim of protecting passengers and cargo, preventing crashes, and improving oversight of the transport sector.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Traffic Police Department reported that passenger-bus accidents had become increasingly complex in recent days.

From February 1 to July 5, bus-related incidents claimed 199 lives.

Two recent crashes left 11 people dead, including a July 21 wreck on National Highway 1 in Hưng Thịnh Commune, Đồng Nai Province, that killed seven after a driver reportedly fell asleep and struck guardrails twice before the vehicle caught fire.

Traffic police has emphasised that passenger transport safety is paramount and cannot rest solely with drivers or vehicle owners.

The department plans comprehensive reviews of passenger transport companies’ safety practices, including the role of in-house safety units, driver training quality, and the operation of monitoring systems and cameras.

Technical standards for sleeper buses, such as emergency exits and speed parameters, will also be re-evaluated, alongside a review of state management in the transport industry. — VNS