Not everyone knows the rules of walking in urban areas.

Many people think that we currently do not have a walking culture, so people go wherever they want, freely cross the street, regardless of traffic signals.

A case of people carrying things onto the street. Photo: Hoang Giang

According to the Road Traffic Law: Pedestrians must walk on sidewalks and curbs; in cases where there are no sidewalks or curbs, pedestrians must walk close to the edge of the road. Pedestrians may only cross the street where there are traffic lights, road markings, or pedestrian overpasses or tunnels, and must obey the signals.

In cases where there are no traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, overpasses, or tunnels, pedestrians must observe oncoming vehicles, only cross the street when it is safe, and are responsible for ensuring safety when crossing the street.

Pedestrians must not cross the median strip or hang onto moving vehicles; when carrying bulky objects, they must ensure safety and not cause obstacles for people and vehicles participating in road traffic.

Children under 7 years old must be led by an adult when crossing urban roads or roads with frequent motor vehicles; everyone is responsible for helping children under 7 years old when crossing the street.

Regarding specific penalties, Decree 46/2016 on administrative penalties in the field of traffic has also stipulated. Please follow the infographic below:

In addition, if violations of road traffic regulations cause serious consequences, pedestrians may also be subject to criminal prosecution.

So, in fact, traffic laws for pedestrians are clearly defined, but today we still have to witness many tragic accidents caused by reckless pedestrians.

Walking across the street properly is a demonstration of walking culture.

Many people think that we currently do not have a walking culture, so people go wherever they want, freely cross the street, regardless of traffic signals. Not many people choose to cross pedestrian bridges and they seem to be forgotten... Thus, building a walking culture will contribute to reducing accidents, making urban life more civilized and modern.

When asked, many people said that it is necessary to issue regulations on administrative penalties for pedestrians. Because according to the general trend, the density of pedestrians participating in traffic is increasing, in fact, there have been many accidents.

However, there are also opinions that if we want to fine pedestrians, we must first make the road clear and have space for pedestrians. Crossings reserved for pedestrians must be respected by vehicles. As it is now, crossing the road right on the line is still... heart-pounding, arms and legs waving everywhere but no vehicle gives way!!! As a result, people see an empty section of the road and rush across, which is really not very convenient when fined. In foreign countries, there is no need to fine because there is a ready-made path, right on the crosswalk, all vehicles see people crossing the road and slow down or stop. Just do it like that!

Others say: There are many streets in Ho Chi Minh City, but forcing pedestrians to cross the street legally is a bit difficult because there are no sidewalks to walk on. If the government wants to fine people, they must first clear the sidewalks and arrange signs and crosswalks appropriately so that people who are fined will be convinced.

But anyway, the law is already there, people must comply. As for creating favorable conditions for pedestrians to travel, there needs to be intervention from local authorities and authorities...

There are pedestrian bridges but many people still do not use them...

According to PLO