Reducing traffic accidents: A comprehensive solution is needed.

(Baonghean)According to statistics, from the beginning of the year to date (December 1, 2010 to September 25, 2011), 193 traffic accidents occurred in Nghe An province, resulting in 230 deaths and 128 injuries. Compared to the same period in 2010, there was an increase of 30 accidents, 18 deaths, and 34 injuries. The question is whether the causes of this situation are new.

These are not new reasons.

Currently, some people still show a blatant disregard for their own lives and the lives of others on the road. Many drivers fail to comply with traffic rules, driving on the wrong side of the road, swerving, carrying more passengers than allowed, deliberately violating traffic signals, not wearing helmets, and even driving under the influence of alcohol.

For example, at 2:30 AM on August 26, 2011, a very serious traffic accident occurred on National Highway 1A, in the area of ​​Hamlet 5, Quynh Hau Commune, Quynh Luu District, resulting in the deaths of three young men riding on a motorbike (two died on the spot, the other died on the way to the hospital). It is known that at the time of the accident, the three cousins, Nguyen Ba Phuc (born in 1988), Nguyen Van Tinh, and Nguyen Van Trang (both born in 1991), all residing in Hamlet 5, Quynh Hau Commune (Quynh Luu District), had been drinking heavily the previous evening and were heading to Cau Giat Town. Due to excessive speed and not wearing helmets, they were blinded by the headlights of an oncoming car and crashed into a house foundation by the roadside, resulting in the deaths of all three.

For example, at 2 PM on September 2nd, in Nghi Yen commune, Nghi Loc district, a motorbike with license plate 37M2-7525, driven by Mr. Vo Van Tien (born in 1968) and carrying Mr. Nguyen Chinh Hai (born in 1961), was traveling from a side road onto National Highway 1A. Due to excessive speed, the driver lost control and crashed into a truck with license plate 43H-4428 traveling in the North-South direction. The severe impact completely destroyed the motorbike, and both Mr. Tien and Mr. Hai died.

Traffic police are increasing patrols and inspections to ensure traffic safety on the roads.
route.

The rapid increase in the number of motorized road vehicles (cars, motorcycles) is also a cause of the increase in traffic accidents. According to data from the Traffic Police Department of Nghe An province, as of the end of September 2011, the number of registered cars was 39,871 and motorcycles 886,959 (not including the thousands of vehicles that travel daily on National Highway 1A through Nghe An). Meanwhile, the transportation infrastructure has not been upgraded appropriately, and the proliferation of unauthorized level crossings across main roads and railways is also a cause of traffic safety issues.

Furthermore, traffic management issues and the long-standing problem of encroachment on sidewalks and roads remain unresolved. On the other hand, at many times, especially during holidays and festivals, the density of traffic and shoppers increases dramatically on roads that are frequently encroached upon, further complicating the traffic safety situation.

Furthermore, traffic safety awareness campaigns in many areas have not received adequate attention, failing to create a nationwide movement for traffic safety. Coordination between different levels and sectors in implementing traffic safety measures lacks consistency; local authorities are not resolute enough in handling violations of traffic safety corridors; and while many directives have been issued, their translation into concrete actions at the implementation level remains limited, contributing to the increase in traffic accidents.

It's not just about raising awareness!

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Duy Dong, Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department of the Provincial Police, stated: "Curing traffic accidents is not something that can be done overnight. It requires comprehensive solutions, coordination from many levels and sectors, and above all, the joint efforts of the entire community and all road users, not just leaving it to the authorities. To achieve this goal, the Traffic Police, as the unit advising on traffic safety, has organized extensive dissemination and education of traffic safety laws, especially the amended Road Traffic Law, through mass media, reaching a large number of officials, employees, and citizens, especially young people, students, and university students." In addition, patrol and control activities, and the handling of traffic safety violations on road and rail transport routes have been carried out seriously and will continue to be implemented vigorously with a combination of overt patrol forces and special patrol forces (undercover officers, plainclothes officers, traffic police). In September 2011 alone, there were 10,769 violations, including 3,404 cars and 7,365 motorcycles, with the main offenses being speeding, running red lights, carrying more passengers than allowed, not wearing helmets, and exceeding blood and breath alcohol limits. This shows that the awareness of traffic safety laws among road users remains very low.

However, this does not mean that the focus should be solely on raising awareness among road users. Authorities must also prioritize upgrading transportation infrastructure to ensure the safety of drivers on the roads. With the comprehensive solutions implemented by relevant agencies at all levels, it is hoped that the number of traffic accidents throughout the province will be brought under control in the coming period.

Dang Cuong