"Accident traps" are moving on the streets.
Amidst the bustling traffic on many streets, it's not uncommon to see makeshift vehicles carrying bundles of steel, sheet metal, aluminum, and plastic pipes several meters long, or piled high with goods that obstruct visibility, carrying heavy and bulky items like cabinets, beds, and construction materials. These vehicles not only detract from urban aesthetics but also pose a potential risk of traffic accidents, directly threatening the safety of pedestrians and other road users.
On traffic-related forums and groups, netizens frequently warn each other to proactively maintain a safe distance when encountering three-wheeled vehicles carrying sharp materials or oversized cargo on the streets. Many call these vehicles "mobile swords," "street monsters," or "mobile accident traps" because a sudden braking maneuver, an unexpected turn, a moment of inattention, or overloading causing the vehicle to lose balance can have unpredictable consequences.
Numerous accidents have served as clear warnings about the dangers posed by these vehicles. A prime example is the collision between a bus and a makeshift three-wheeled vehicle carrying numerous iron bars, traveling in the opposite direction on Nguyen Trai Street. Although it happened quite some time ago, many witnesses still remember the image of dozens of iron bars, approximately 10 meters long, piercing through the windshield and crashing into the bus's driver's compartment. Fortunately, the bus driver managed to get out of the driver's seat in time and was unharmed, while the three-wheeled vehicle driver only sustained minor injuries. However, the incident caused considerable panic among passengers on the bus and residents living near the accident site.
Alarmingly, many people still consider the use of makeshift vehicles or oversized cargo vehicles as normal for earning a living. Captain Pham Van Nghia, an officer of Traffic Police Team No. 10 (Traffic Police Department, Hanoi City Police), said: “In order to transport more goods to increase income, some delivery workers have arbitrarily modified and customized their vehicles, adding cargo boxes or towing trailers. These vehicles are often bulky, difficult to control, and pose a risk of accidents, especially on roads with high traffic density.”
The case of Mr. D.VD, a delivery driver for SPX Company, is an example. Because his income is calculated based on the number of orders, ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 VND per order, he added extra cargo boxes to the back of his motorbike to increase his carrying capacity. While this may increase his income, it also increases the risk of traffic accidents and leads to violations of the law. Notably, some people, even knowing their actions are illegal, still try to circumvent the law by choosing to travel during lunch breaks or in the evening to avoid inspection by authorities.
Strengthen enforcement against violations and raise public awareness.
According to regulations, vehicles that have been arbitrarily modified in structure, size, or fitted with towing or carrying bulky goods are in violation of the law. According to lawyer Nguyen Anh Thom, Head of Nguyen Anh Law Office, Hanoi Bar Association, Clause 5, Article 31 of the Law on Road Traffic and Safety clearly states that goods loaded on rudimentary vehicles must be safe, not obstruct traffic, and not obscure the driver's visibility. Goods loaded on the vehicle must not exceed 1/3 of the vehicle's length and not exceed 1 meter in front and behind the vehicle; and not exceed 0.4 meters on each side of the wheels.
"Also in this Law, Clause 3, Article 33 stipulates that drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, and mopeds are prohibited from using their vehicles to tow or push other vehicles or objects, lead livestock, carry or transport bulky items; carry passengers standing on the vehicle, on the luggage rack, or sitting on the handlebars; and load goods on the vehicle exceeding the prescribed limits," lawyer Nguyen Anh Thom stated.
Currently, the fine for towing or pushing other vehicles or objects, leading pets, or carrying bulky items is stipulated in Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP at 600,000 to 800,000 VND. In cases causing traffic accidents, the fine increases to 10 million to 14 million VND. Is this fine still too light and insufficient to deter violations, leading to their recurrence? Captain Pham Van Nghia stated: “Following the Hanoi City Police's plan to strengthen the handling of violations that directly cause traffic accidents, Road Traffic Police Team No. 10 has focused on inspecting and handling vehicles carrying bulky goods, makeshift vehicles, and vehicles towing other objects on key routes.”
However, to prevent these "mobile accident traps" from continuing to appear on the streets, in addition to the involvement of law enforcement in inspecting and handling violations, it is necessary to raise people's awareness of complying with traffic laws. The Hanoi City Police Department advises people not to use illegal or unqualified vehicles, and to improve their awareness of traffic safety regulations to ensure safety for themselves and the community.
It's not just about educating vehicle operators; now it's also crucial to raise awareness among those who use transportation services. When people are willing to say no to makeshift three-wheeled vehicles and vehicles carrying oversized, unsafe cargo, demand will decrease and violations will gradually be reduced. Traffic safety is not only the responsibility of authorities but also the duty and awareness of every citizen.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/xe-tu-che-xe-cho-hang-cong-kenh-moi-nguy-rinh-rap-tren-nhieu-cung-duong-1159461.html
