According to information from the provincial Traffic Police Department, in the first quarter of 2025, the provincial traffic police handled 10,038 cases of traffic violations, an increase of 39.6% compared to the same period last year. Among these, certain violations were strictly enforced, such as: alcohol violations (884 cases, down 34.5%); speeding violations (3,002 cases, up 47.9%); failure to wear helmets (777 cases); carrying more passengers than permitted (240 cases); incorrect lane or roadway use (131 cases); and drug-related violations (68 cases).

These figures indicate that although the overall number of violations handled has increased, serious offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol have decreased significantly. This change is not coincidental; it results from rigorous enforcement combined with heightened awareness campaigns, particularly given the stronger deterrence effect of higher penalties under Decree No.168.

In the mountainous district of Nậm Pồ, with its challenging terrain and uneven public awareness, traffic violations used to be common. It was easy to observe scenes such as motorcyclists without helmets, overloaded motorbikes carrying three or four people, and driving while intoxicated along rural roads.

However, after three months of implementing Decree No.168, the situation has noticeably improved. Major Nguyễn Sơn Tùng, Deputy Head of Road Traffic Police Team No.2, in charge of Nậm Pồ district, shared: “The increased fines have directly influenced people's behavior, especially those in remote areas. Previously, people did not take traffic violations seriously, believing they would only receive minor penalties or warnings. Now, with significantly higher penalties, sometimes amounting to tens of millions of VND, residents have started correcting their own behavior to avoid fines.”

According to Major Nguyễn Sơn Tùng, common offenses such as not wearing helmets or overloading motorcycles have significantly decreased. In fact, people now actively remind family members and neighbors to comply with regulations. Some residents candidly shared: “In the past, we thought helmets were not necessary for short trips within the village. Now, with heavy fines and increased fear of accidents, everyone wears helmets. No one dares drive after drinking alcohol anymore.”

Despite these positive outcomes, law enforcement still faces challenges, especially in remote areas. One prominent issue is that violators often lack the financial means to pay fines. “Many violators are from impoverished backgrounds, recognizing their wrongdoing but unable to pay penalties, making enforcement difficult. Therefore, we must focus more on educational efforts, explaining clearly the consequences of their violations,” said Major Nguyễn Sơn Tùng.

Residents have also acknowledged noticeable changes in their community since the introduction of Decree No.168. Lò Văn Páo (Nà Khoa commune, Nậm Pồ district) said he previously rode his motorbike without a helmet, believing short distances within familiar territory posed little risk. He recounted: “Several times, I saw traffic officers conducting inspections and took alternative routes to avoid them. However, since the beginning of the year, with higher fines and some villagers being penalized millions of VND for not wearing helmets, I started feeling afraid.” Now, Páo not only complies himself but actively advises his family and neighbors to follow suit. “I always wear a helmet now, even when going just a short distance to the local health station or neighboring village to buy goods. I don't want to lose money, but most importantly, it’s for the safety of my family.”

The Traffic Police Team No.2 has proactively adopted innovative communication methods such as distributing leaflets, utilizing portable loudspeakers in villages, and organizing meetings in cooperation with local authorities at schools and populous residential areas. Consequently, residents have gradually understood not only the penalties but the essential reasons behind traffic safety regulations, for their own and the community’s safety.

Preliminary evaluations show that in the first quarter of 2025, traffic accidents in Điện Biên have decreased across all three criteria: the number of incidents, fatalities, and injuries. These achievements are direct results of comprehensive measures: strict enforcement, rigorous monitoring, and extensive public education.

Moving forward, the provincial traffic police force will continue maintaining regular patrols, leveraging technological surveillance, and broadening educational outreach targeting specific groups such as students, ethnic minorities, and highland workers.

After three months of implementing Decree No.168, the most evident transformation is in people’s awareness. They have shifted from disregarding traffic laws to fearing penalties and voluntarily correcting their behavior. This is a critical foundation for building a sustainable and safe traffic culture, not just in urban areas but also in remote regions like Nậm Pồ and other districts across the province.