Seventeen people lost their lives in road traffic accidents across Vietnam on Tuesday, the fourth day of the nine-day Lunar New Year, or Tet, holiday.

This figure represents a sharp reduction of 23 fatalities, or 57.5 percent, compared to the same period last year, according to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

The fatalities stemmed from 50 road accidents nationwide, which also left 48 people injured.

These numbers reflect notable year-on-year decreases, with accidents and injuries dropping by approximately 41 percent and 50 percent, respectively. 

All reported incidents occurred on roadways, with no accidents recorded on inland waterways or railways.

The sharp declines coincide with the enforcement of Government Decree 168, which took effect early this year.

The decree imposes stricter penalties for traffic violations, aiming to deter unsafe behaviors and reduce accidents and casualties.

On Tuesday alone, local traffic police addressed 6,957 violations.

Authorities temporarily impounded more than 2,400 vehicles, revoked 284 driver’s licenses, and deducted points from 725 driver’s licenses. 

Among the offenders, 1,896 drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol, and 1,617 were found exceeding speed limits.

Additionally, 43 cases involved vehicles carrying excessive numbers of passengers, five involved overloaded goods, and nine drivers tested positive for drug use.

Highway traffic police directly handled 46 violations, while surveillance cameras on expressways detected 29 additional infractions. On waterways, authorities addressed two violations. 

Meanwhile, traffic police teams working on railway routes collaborated with relevant units to enhance train operation monitoring and safety measures.

Two task forces conducted inspections on trains SE8 and SE12, focusing on operational procedures and alcohol testing for staff directly involved in train operations.

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