Hanoi (VNA): During a working session with the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) and other agencies in Hanoi on April 25, Jean Todt, the Special Envoy for Road Safety for the UN Secretary-General, offered suggestions for improving road safety in Vietnam.
Todt presented concerning data, stating that over 50 million people are injured and 1.19 million people are killed in traffic accidents year worldwide. Road accidents continue to be the primary cause of mortality for youths between the ages of 15 and 29, with developing nations accounting for an alarming 90% of all fatalities and injuries.
Todt promoted all-encompassing remedies to solve this, such as increased law enforcement, public education, and advancements in road infrastructure, protective clothing, and vehicle safety regulations. He emphasized basic yet life-saving precautions like using certified helmets, seat belts, refraining from using cell phones while driving, never driving while intoxicated, and making sure that areas are pedestrian-friendly.
Regarding Vietnam’s traffic laws, Todt noted that fines and other punishments are still comparatively light. According to him, altering established driving patterns and public behavior is more important than enacting tougher legislation.
According to NTSC Vice Chairman Le Kim Thanh, Vietnam saw a decrease in traffic deaths of more than 30% per 100,000 people between 2011 and 2020. The nation is working toward 12 worldwide targets in the second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by 5–10% each year, with an 8% reduction in 2023–2024.
For a notable drop in accidents, fatalities, and injuries in the first quarter of 2025, Thanh cited the institutional accomplishments of 2024, such as the enactment of the Road Law and the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety. Campaigns to raise awareness, more severe punishments, remote enforcement using traffic cameras, and making the information of offenders publicly available are all components of success.
However, he also listed the main transportation issues. 90% of passenger traffic and around 70% of freight are handled by road transport, which nevertheless has a small market share in inland waterways, railroads, and ships. Only 15% of demand is met by public transportation in large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and there are persistent problems due to the high rate of motorbike and private vehicle ownership.
Representatives from the UN and WHO reiterated their support for Vietnam’s road safety initiatives, emphasizing child safety, reducing accidents, and encouraging green growth and digital transformation in transportation.
