(kontumtv.vn) – Normally, it takes time to assess the social impact of a law or a major policy. However, Decree 168/2024/ND-CP of the Government has brought about immediate effects and after 15 days of coming into effect, there are widespread statistics to prove it.

Photo caption
A case of going the wrong way was recorded by a Traffic Police officer No. 7 (Decree 168/2024/ND-CP of the Government stipulates a fine of VND4-6 million for motorcyclists who run red lights or go the wrong way). Photo: Pham Kien/VNA

Signed on December 26, 2024 and effective from the first day of the new year, Decree 168/2024/ND-CP has the full name "Regulations on administrative sanctions for violations of traffic order and safety in the field of road traffic; deduction and restoration of driving license points".

According to the Traffic Police Department ( Ministry of Public Security ), from January 1 (the time Decree 168/2024/ND-CP took effect) to January 15, 2025, the number of traffic accidents decreased in all three criteria compared to the same period and the previous period. Specifically, nationwide, there were 681 traffic accidents, killing 365 people and injuring 453 people, compared to the same period (same time last year), a decrease of 355 cases (34.27%), a decrease of 47 deaths (11.41%), a decrease of 426 injuries (34.24%), compared to the previous period (the second half of December 2024), a decrease of 347 cases (34.53%), a decrease of 94 deaths (20.47%), a decrease of 301 injuries (39.92%).

According to the assessment of the Traffic Police Department, the traffic order and safety situation nationwide in the first half of January 2025 has had clear changes. For example, the situation of people (mainly motorbikes) running red lights, riding on sidewalks, and going against the flow of one-way streets has decreased significantly, especially in large cities. Traffic participants have voluntarily complied with traffic signals even when there are no functional forces checking and controlling.

It is undeniable that the increased fines and the active participation of the authorities have directly impacted the awareness of compliance with the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety. There have been 174,600 violations handled, of which 17,595 cases had their driving licenses and professional certificates revoked; 955 cars and 49,649 motorbikes were seized; nearly 12,700 driving licenses had points deducted...

The “speaking” numbers have refuted the arguments that Decree 168/2024/ND-CP has “zero effectiveness” and even brings “opposite results” – worsening traffic congestion in big cities.

Indeed, Hanoi these days is facing traffic jams, even during non-rush hours. But what about the time near the Year of the Dragon, a year before Decree 168/2024/ND-CP was issued? Let's take a look at the headlines of some newspapers: "Hanoi streets are congested from morning to night on the days before Tet" (Lao Dong, January 30, 2024); "The capital's streets are congested all day on the occasion of Tet" (Vietnam Plus, February 1, 2024); "Congested all day, Hanoians struggle to get around on the occasion of Tet" (Tuoi Tre, February 2, 2024); "Traffic jams on the days before Tet - New Year is still the same old story" (Domestic economy , February 5, 2024)...

Limited infrastructure while the sudden increase in traffic volume in a short period of time inevitably leads to traffic congestion.

Besides, for a long time now, the awareness of obeying traffic order and safety of a large number of people has really been "problematic".

According to statistics, in 2024, there were 21,532 road traffic accidents nationwide, killing 9,954 people and injuring 16,044 people. Of these, 3,065 cases were caused by drivers driving in the wrong direction, on the wrong side of the road, or in the wrong lane, killing 1,423 people and injuring 2,764 people. In addition, there were 360 ​​accidents caused by drivers not obeying traffic lights (running red lights), killing 122 people and injuring 301 people. There were 143 accidents caused by vehicles going in the wrong direction, killing 38 people and injuring 141 people...

Decree 168/2024/ND-CP was issued to warn and deter the situation of reckless participation in traffic, disregard for traffic safety laws, especially traffic rules - the basic cause of accidents and unnecessary tragic deaths. The specific purpose is to raise awareness of compliance with traffic safety regulations, the ultimate goal is to protect human health and life and social order and peace.

It is also worth mentioning that the legitimacy of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP has been confirmed. Mr. Ho Quang Huy, Director of the Department of Inspection of Legal Normative Documents under the Ministry of Justice, stated: Decree 168/2024/ND-CP was issued in accordance with regulations, following the "shortened procedure". When the decree is approved by the competent authority, the Prime Minister, to be issued according to the shortened procedure, it will take effect immediately after signing.

Thus, everything surrounding Decree 168/2024/ND-CP has been made clear, from its purpose, meaning, context of birth to its initial impact on the whole society.

"Table up, table down" from an objective, negative perspective only confuses information.

The "immediate action" is for all people to unite with the authorities to strictly implement this Decree!

Tran Quang Vinh (Vietnam News Agency)