The Directorate of Roads in Việt Nam (DRVN) has proposed heavier punishments for drink drivers after a string of accidents resulted in the death of several victims in April and May.— VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Directorate of Roads in Việt Nam (DRVN) has proposed heavier punishments for drink drivers after a string of accidents resulted in the death of several victims in April and May.

The DRVN is insisting on increasing the fine from VND16-18 million (US$750) to more than double at VND34-40 million. The proposed penalties for motorbike drivers have been suggested at VND7-8million ($340), double the current amount, with a ban of up to two years for both car and motorbike drivers.

Drink drivers who were found with alcohol blood levels exceeding 80mg/100ml or 0.4mg/1l breath content – the highest level of offence for drink driving in the country – will also have their licenses suspended for up to two years instead of just six months as of now.

Fines for drink driving offences of a lesser degree (50mg/100ml alcohol blood level) will almost triple from the current VND7-8 million ($320) to VND20 million with a ban of up to 18 months.

The proposal was presented at Transport Minister Nguyễn Văn Thể’s request last week to revise Government Decree No 46 issued in 2016.

The DRVN also urged closer co-operation between provincial transport departments, the police and traffic inspectors to tighten traffic rules, especially those related to drink driving.

Hà Nội has been especially badly hit by drink drivers recently with two high-profile cases within just seven days.

On April 24, Đỗ Xuân Tuyên, 49, crashed into a garbage truck on Láng Street, killing a female worker on the spot. He fled the scene, hitting another car and a motorbike before his car finally broke down. He confessed to having at least seven beers before driving.

On May 1, Lê Trung Hiếu, 39, hit two women on a motorbike in the Kim Liên Underpass. The two victims were rushed to hospital but succumbed to their injuries. His breathalyser test was recorded at 0.75mg/1l.

Việt Nam is infamous for its high number of traffic accidents as well as death toll. According to a report made by the National Committee for Traffic Safety, in 2018 18,736 traffic accidents occurred nationwide, leaving 8,248 dead and 14,802 injured. The Government has pledged to reduce those figures by 5-10 per cent this year. — VNS