Traffic accidents claim more than 9,300 lives in 2013
The National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) reports 2013 saw a total of 29,385 traffic accidents that killed 9,369 people and caused 29,500 injuries.
Numbers of accidents, fatalities, and injuries were fewer than 2012 levels. Twenty-one provinces and cities enjoyed declines in all three criteria, including Ca Mau, Vinh Long, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Quang Nam, Bac Kan, Kon Tum, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh.
Traffic jams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were reduced, with hotspots plummeting from 124 to 57 in Hanoi and no traffic jam lasting longer than 30 minutes in HCM City.
In addition to transport policy reform, the Ministry of Public Security mobilized police forces to clear roadways and pavements, preventing avoidable obstructions.
At an online conference in Hanoi on December 31, Minister of Transport and NTSC Vice President Dinh La Thang said the ministry will focus on regulating passenger and goods transport by both businesses and agencies via roads, railways, sea, and air. It will also step up patrols and enforcement and expand traffic jam management measures in Hanoi and HCM City.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged provinces, cities, and State agencies to spare no efforts to ensure traffic safety during the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival (Tet).
He urged the Ministry of Transport to inspect vehicle loads, check all transport services obey safety regulations, and take advantage of observation and data centres to minimise traffic accidents.
