Trucks & Buses: Vietnam’s Traffic Fatality Crisis

Photo courtesy of VN Express

In Vietnam, despite comprising less than 3% of registered vehicles, trucks and buses are responsible for over 40% of traffic deaths. The alarming statistics were highlighted in a recent meeting in Hanoi, led by Major General Do Thanh Binh of the Traffic Police Department.

Binh revealed that these vehicles account for just 2.49% of registrations but are linked to 37.1% of accidents and 40.27% of fatalities. He poignantly remarked, "Even if you accumulate wealth, it’s meaningless if involved in a fatal accident."

The first seven months of 2025 witnessed 4,000 accidents involving these vehicles, resulting in 2,466 deaths and 2,106 injuries. A tragic example was a sleeper bus accident in Ha Tinh Province that claimed 10 lives.

Nguyen Cong Hung from Mai Linh Group pointed out that many accidents are dismissed as isolated incidents, failing to tackle underlying issues. "Anyone can enter the transport business, yet regulation is lacking," he criticised. Businesses must have safety departments, but smaller operators, with just a few vehicles, often escape scrutiny.

Echoing this, Phan Thanh Uy from the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association called for tighter controls. "Only large companies invest in safety. Small family-run operations often cut corners," he warned.

Vu Duc Hoang of Hoang Long Bus Company highlighted that many sleeper buses are unsafe, often converted from 45-seat coaches. This conversion often excludes vital systems like electric retarders to save costs. Hoang proposed mandatory installation of such systems for vehicles on longer routes, especially in challenging terrains.

Hoang also raised concerns about driver qualifications, revealing the presence of fake licences among his staff. "Blaming drivers misses the point; the system’s oversight is weak," he asserted. He suggested banning overnight bus operations between 2:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. to reduce fatigue-related accidents.

Major General Binh supported the need for systemic changes, noting South Korean manufacturers avoid producing sleeper buses due to safety concerns. He stated that banning early morning operations is being considered.

Another pressing issue is the delay in processing traffic violations. A representative from GSM Taxi explained how sluggish fine issuance affects their operations, as unresolved fines can see thousands of vehicles prevented from passing inspections.

Mai Linh Taxi reported similar struggles, with "cold fines" persisting unresolved for years. "Paying fines can mean chasing down drivers across provinces," Hung stated.

To address these challenges, the Traffic Police Department plans to issue traffic violation notices within two hours, a move expected to streamline the procedure. Simplifying the penalty process is also on the agenda, aiming to cut the excessive red tape currently bogging down efficient enforcement.

As Vietnam grapples with these issues, it remains crucial for both authorities and the transport industry to unite in pursuit of safer roads. The call for stricter regulations and improved oversight is loud and clear, demanding an urgent response to curb the disproportionately high fatality rate linked to trucks and buses.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-04