HCMC – Vietnam reported over 21,000 traffic accidents in 2024, leaving nearly 10,000 people dead and more than 16,000 others injured, according to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.
Data showed 21,532 road accidents, which caused 9,954 fatalities and 16,044 injuries. Among these, 23 major incidents accounted for 76 deaths and 17 injuries.
Violations of traffic regulations were cited as a primary cause. Over 3,000 accidents occurred due to drivers veering off designated lanes or directions, leading to 1,423 deaths and 2,764 injuries.
Running red lights resulted in 360 accidents, causing 122 fatalities and 301 injuries, while driving against traffic flow led to 143 incidents, leaving 38 dead and 141 injured.
A representative of the Traffic Police Department highlighted habitual violations such as ignoring signals or driving on the wrong side of the road as significant contributors to the high fatality rate. Many drivers admitted to flouting rules when traffic was light or enforcement was absent.
Stricter regulations are set to take effect in 2025, introducing higher fines, vehicle confiscations, and license suspensions. Authorities aim to curb violations and reduce traffic accidents through these tougher enforcement measures.
