The number of road traffic accidents in January decreased over 26 percent compared to the same period in 2024, just one month since the implementation of a new government decree on traffic violation penalties, according to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

The department on Thursday reported that 1,702 road traffic accidents occurred nationwide in January, resulting in 917 deaths and 1,163 injuries.

Compared to January 2024, the number of accidents dropped 26.29 percent, fatalities decreased 1.72 percent, and injuries declined 37.71 percent.

Comparatively, in December 2024, the respective reductions were 18.25 percent in accidents, 9.83 percent in fatalities, and 20.12 percent in injuries.

During the recent nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday – from January 25 to February 2 – 442 road traffic accidents occurred nationwide, causing 207 deaths and 372 injuries.

Compared to the same period last year, accidents, fatalities, and injuries significantly declined approximately 36.76 percent, 37.46 percent, and 38.41 percent, respectively.

In January, authorities addressed 327,349 road traffic violations, impounded 95,000 vehicles, revoked 27,820 driver’s licenses, and deducted points from 28,762 licenses. 

Compared to December 2024, the total number of traffic violations dropped 12.8 percent, while violations involving alcohol, speeding, failure to obey traffic signals, and failure to wear helmets decreased 13 percent, 21 percent, 36.7 percent, and 23.8 percent, respectively.

The improvement was partly attributed to the enforcement of Government Decree 168, which took effect on January 1, 2025.

The decree imposed stricter penalties on traffic violations to deter unsafe driving behavior and reduce traffic-related casualties.

“The figures suggest improved public awareness of the law. People are now complying with traffic regulations even in the absence of traffic police,” a representative from the Traffic Police Department stated.

At intersections, drivers are following traffic signals more strictly, driving in an orderly manner, and avoiding lane encroachment, the official added.

“Foreign visitors have also praised the noticeable improvement in traffic discipline,” he said.

In the future, traffic police have plans to increase patrols and inspections while strictly enforcing the six major traffic violations that commonly lead to accidents.

Additionally, the department has advised the Ministry of Public Security to direct local police forces to collaborate with provincial and municipal governments to accelerate infrastructure improvements.

Colonel Pham Quang Huy, deputy director of the Traffic Police Department, emphasized that the stricter penalties in Decree 168 are necessary to deter dangerous and intentional violations that could lead to severe accidents or infrastructure damage.

After one month of enforcement, the regulations have had a profound impact on public awareness and have significantly improved compliance with traffic laws among drivers and vehicle owners.

“Traffic accidents not only deprive the country of valuable human resources but also leave many people disabled. By following safe driving habits – such as obeying traffic signals, avoiding reckless driving, and never driving under the influence – we can significantly reduce accidents and improve road safety,” Colonel Huy said.

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