Northern city sees dramatic surge in road accidents

There were 191 accidents last year, a 194% increase from 2022, according to the municipal Committee for Traffic Safety.

They resulted in 98 deaths, a 92% increase, and injuries to 136 people, up 518%.

Except for Bach Long Vi, all 14 of the city’s other districts saw accidents increase.

They increased by 1,100% in An Lao, 900% in Le Chan, and between 300% and 136% in Tien Lang, An Duong, Do Son, Vinh Bao, and Hai An.

Contributing to the increases in accidents, deaths and injuries were the relentless influx of vehicles, especially trucks and container trucks amid the increasing volumes of goods transported through Hai Phong Port, and poor traffic infrastructure, according to the Department of Transport.

Other reasons are the lack of driving etiquette among some sections, especially young people, authorities said.

They pointed out that the numbers of accidents involving people under 18 and those aged 18-25 have increased by 680% and 425%.

Authorities in some localities are guilty of failing to deploy tough enough measures to ensure traffic safety.

Nguyen Van Luyen, office head of the traffic safety committee, said: “The surge in the number of accidents is worrying. City leaders have instructed localities and sectors to take measures to reduce the number of accidents, deaths and injuries this year.”

Nguyen Duc Tho, vice chairman of the city, said there are plans to install around 30 more cameras on roads to identify violators.