The National Traffic Safety Committee reported an increase in traffic accidents but a decrease in fatalities during the 2024 Lunar New Year holiday.
The 2024 Lunar New Year holiday (from February 8 to February 14) saw a rise in traffic accidents compared to last year, but a reduction in the number of deaths, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee.
The statistics show that there were 541 traffic accidents nationwide, killing 214 people and injuring 504 people during the 7-day Tet holiday.
Compared to the same period during Lunar New Year 2023, there was an increase of 83 cases, a decrease of 69 deaths, and an increase of 177 injuries.
The authorities handled 71,409 violations, fined 182.4 billion Vietnamese dong (VND), impounded 1,864 cars, 34,082 motorbikes and 140 other vehicles; stripped of 18,899 driver’s licenses of all types.
The most common violations were alcohol-related (29,099 cases), drug-related (114 cases) and speed-related (16,756 cases).
The main cause of congestion was the increased traffic volume, which exceeded the capacity of some arterial roads, such as Phap Van – Gie bridge expressway and Hanoi beltway 3; Highway 1 through Dong Nai, through Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa…, Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay highway, gateway to the East and Southwest, Cat Lai and Rach Mieu ferries; Highway 51 heading to Da Lat, Ba Ria – Vung Tau…
Some toll stations also experienced local congestion due to overcrowded vehicle traffic and accidents, even though they had a non-stop toll collection system, such as stations on the Hanoi – Hai Phong and Phap Van – Cau Gie highways.
The National Traffic Safety Committee urged the public to follow the traffic laws and regulations, to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to wear helmets and seat belts, and to respect the speed limits and traffic signs.
The committee also asked the local authorities to strengthen the inspection and supervision of traffic safety, to strictly handle violations, and to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the holiday season.
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Source: Vietnam Insider