Hanoi (September 16, 2025) – A serious traffic accident on the Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway has reignited debate over whether tree-watering tanker trucks should be banned from operating on Vietnam’s highways due to safety concerns.
Multi-Vehicle Collision Leaves 8 Injured
The crash happened on the morning of September 15 at Km22+800 of the expressway. A tanker truck, moving slowly in the innermost lane to water trees along the median, was rear-ended by a passenger bus. Two more vehicles quickly followed, creating a chain collision that injured eight people.
According to the Traffic Police Department (C08) under the Ministry of Public Security, the incident was partly caused by drivers failing to maintain safe speeds and distances. However, the presence of the slow-moving tanker truck in the high-speed lane has also raised serious safety questions.
Experts Warn of High Risks
Transportation experts say allowing tanker trucks to water trees during the day poses extreme risks.
“Expressways are designed for high-speed traffic. A truck moving slowly in the fast lane creates deadly hazards. Just a moment of distraction is enough for tragedy,” said Nguyen Van Thanh, former chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association.
Dr. Khuong Kim Tao, former deputy chief of the National Traffic Safety Committee, agreed and proposed restricting watering operations to nighttime, when traffic volumes are lower and warning systems are more visible.
Calls to Rethink Highway Greenery
In the wake of the accident, C08 suggested that trees should not be planted in expressway medians at all. Instead, light-blocking nets could serve the same purpose without endangering traffic.
Thanh supported the idea in part, noting that while greenery improves the environment and driving comfort, safety must come first. He proposed investing in automatic irrigation systems to replace manual watering by tanker trucks.
Dr. Tao added: “Trees bring ecological benefits—reducing heat, dust, and driver fatigue—but if safety cannot be ensured, authorities must carefully weigh the risks and benefits.”
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider