HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam aims to reduce the number of traffic accidents, deaths and injuries by 5-10 per cent, according to targets set by Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hòa Bình.

Traffic congestion in big cities like Hà Nội and HCM City and at key traffic routes across the country would also be dealt with, Bình said at a ceremony held on Friday morning to kick off the 2019 Traffic Safety Year with the theme ‘Traffic Safety for Passengers and Drivers’.

The target could be reached with the resolute implementation of comprehensive measures on traffic accident prevention and control and with the participation of the whole political system and society, he said.

However, he noted that this year is expected to see a further increase in the volume of vehicles as economic growth leads to higher demand, which will create more challenges for ensuring traffic safety.

He asked the National Committee for Traffic Safety and relevant ministries, agencies and People’s Committees of localities to continue taking measures to ensure traffic safety on roads, railways and domestic waterways as well as continue implementing Government Resolutions on solutions to traffic safety.

He added that travelling demand is predicted to increase and the traffic situation would pose problems as the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday approaches, urging ministries, agencies and localities to promptly take measures to effectively manage transport activities, ensure infrastructure and increase inspections and handling of violations of traffic regulations.  

They were instructed to also pay attention to measures to reduce traffic jams in Hà Nội and HCM City and along key national highways during this holiday.

“It is crucial to increase information dissemination to raise public awareness of abiding by traffic regulations while strictly punishing violations, particularly drunk driving and driving without helmets which are considered the two major causes of traffic accidents during holidays and festivals,” Bình said.

In the latest incident, a container truck on Wednesday hit 21 motorbikes waiting at a red light at the Nhựt Chánh junction in Bến Lức District of Long An Province, killing three people on the spot and injuring 18 others. One more person died en route to the hospital. The truck driver later tested positive for drugs and alcohol.

In 2018, more than 18,700 traffic accidents were recorded nationwide, killing 8,248 people and injuring over 14,800. — VNS