The level crossing barrier at Luong Van Can Street, An Cuu Ward, aims to minimize railway traffic accidents.

Especially dangerous

Recently, public opinion has been particularly outraged by the incident involving a driver from Mau Lam commune, Thanh Hoa province, who deliberately drove a large truck across the railway tracks despite the automatic barrier being lowered. The truck crashed through the barrier and sped across the tracks just as a train was approaching. A delay of just a few seconds could have resulted in a particularly serious accident.

In Ngoc Hoi commune, Hanoi , a tragic accident occurred when a train collided head-on with a truck stuck on the tracks. Authorities determined that the driver attempted to cross the railway barrier but was unsuccessful. The incident resulted in one fatality and one seriously injured person; the truck overturned, its cabin completely deformed.

Next, in Ve Giang commune, Quang Ngai province, a tractor-trailer deliberately crossed a lowered barrier and became stuck on the railway tracks. The SE8 train then collided head-on with it, causing the tractor-trailer to break in half and injuring the driver.

A similar incident also occurred in Hue City. Previously, Mr. HVQ, residing in Kim Long ward, was driving a truck from National Highway 1 onto Ton That Son street in Thuy Phuong ward (now Thanh Thuy ward). Even when the railway warning signal was activated, with lights flashing, bells ringing, and the automatic barrier lowering to indicate an approaching North-South train, the driver deliberately drove across and crashed into and broke the barrier.

These incidents have been and are being investigated and handled strictly by the authorities in accordance with the law. However, a review of some related incidents reveals that drivers still have a complacent attitude, believing that the train is still far away or that trying to overtake quickly will not cause any problems. Because of this impatience and the desire to save a few seconds, many people have put themselves in dangerous situations, narrowly avoiding catastrophic accidents.

Crossing level crossings not only threatens the violators but also directly affects train safety. If a collision occurs, the consequences would not only be loss of life and property but also disruption to railway operations, affecting hundreds of passengers on board...

Increase penalties, increase awareness.

The government has issued Decree No. 81/2026/ND-CP, dated March 19, 2026, stipulating administrative penalties for violations in the field of railway transport, effective from May 15, 2026. Accordingly, many violations at level crossings, shared bridges, and railway tunnels have seen a significant increase in penalties to deter offenders and raise public awareness of law compliance.

Specifically, drivers of motorcycles, mopeds, including electric motorbikes, who cross a barrier while it is moving or cross a level crossing when the red light is on will be fined from 4 to 6 million VND. For car drivers, the fine increases to 18 to 20 million VND if they cross a barrier while it is lowering, cross a level crossing when the red light is on, or fail to obey the instructions of the level crossing attendant. Drivers of cars who stop, park, or make U-turns in level crossing areas or shared bridges will also be fined from 6 to 8 million VND.

In addition to penalties for motorized vehicles, the Decree also specifies regulations for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. Pedestrians who cross barriers when they are closed or intentionally cross a level crossing when the red light is on may be fined 300,000 VND. Cyclists and non-motorized vehicle operators who violate the regulations will be fined between 300,000 and 500,000 VND.

The decree also strengthens the handling of actions affecting the safety corridor of railway traffic, such as grazing livestock on railway tracks, within the protected area of ​​railway infrastructure, or planting trees that obstruct visibility. These actions can be fined up to 500,000 VND for individuals and double that amount for organizations.

Besides administrative penalties, many believe that stricter measures should be considered for cases of deliberately crossing barriers, resulting in serious consequences. In reality, this behavior is no longer simply a traffic violation but can be seen as an act of disregard for the lives of others.

“To prevent railway accidents, besides the involvement of authorities, the most important thing is the awareness of road users. A few minutes waiting for a train to pass is not worth risking one's own life and the lives of others. Every citizen crossing a level crossing must absolutely comply with warning signals, not intentionally cross the barrier, and not stop or park within the railway area. When the alarm sounds, the red light comes on, or the barrier begins to lower, the necessary action is to stop and wait for the train to pass, instead of trying to save a few seconds only to pay a heavy price. Ensuring railway safety is not only the responsibility of the authorities but also the responsibility of every citizen. Only when awareness is raised can heartbreaking accidents at railway crossings be prevented,” affirmed Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Traffic Police Department of Hue City Police.

Text and photos: PHONG ANH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/vuot-rao-chan-duong-sat-nhanh-vai-giay-cham-ca-doi-166054.html