The latest statistics from the municipal traffic safety committee reveal that motorbikes are either responsible for or the victim in 82.9 percent of road accidents in Ho Chi Minh City.

Only 7.8 percent of accidents involve pedestrians, and crashes between cars make up a mere three percent, according to data obtained by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Around 70 percent of traffic accidents stem from a lack of concentration by drivers; more than 20 percent are attributed to traffic infrastructure; while in less than 10 percent of the accidents, the means of transportation is at fault, according to the Ho Chi Minh City traffic safety committee.

On several streets, motorbike drivers have little space to travel as bigger vehicles including tank trucks or trailer trucks occupy most of the street.

On Hoang Huu Nam Street in District 9, for instance, motorbike drivers are forced to travel amongst a crowd of trucks while the road surface remains full of potholes.

On a section of National Highway 1 that passes the Linh Trung Export Processing Zone, a number of motorbikes run red lights during rush hour, while Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4 is constantly packed with vehicles of all kinds.

“Driving a motorbike [in Ho Chi Minh City] is a tense task and whoever is on the back seat shouldn’t dare to talk to the driver for fear of distracting him,” one local resident said.

While motorbikes are proven to be a high risk means of transportation, the vehicle remains the most popular means of transport for most local people.

Cars are not affordable for everyone, and the city’s public transportation is still underdeveloped.

Tuoi Tre is encouraging its readers to share their suggestions on how to reduce the risks of road accidents. Give yours by commenting below or emailing to ttn@tuoitre.com.vn.

Below are some of the main causes of motorbike-related accidents:

You may think driving together is fun, but…

This form of distraction is not uncommon for motorbike drivers.

Even the slightest lapse in concentration can cost you your life.

Any object on the street can lead to danger for motorbike drivers.

Ignoring traffic laws can have serious consequences.

Don’t swap your life for one minute less on the street.

Even when it’s not their fault, motorbike drivers still suffer the most serious consequences in accidents.

Without protective gear like a helmet, motorbike drivers are always vulnerable to the worst-case scenario.

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