Riding motorcycles and motorbikes without helmets, overloaded with passengers beyond the permitted limit, are a common sight on rural roads and mountainous communes. The situation is further complicated by the presence of underage youths and students who do not meet the requirements to participate in traffic, exhibiting typical aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, driving too close to the car in front, not respecting traffic regulations, particularly at night.

In September 2024, the police force in Mường Ảng district, Điện Biên province arrested eight individuals for disturbing the public order. The suspects, mostly young people aged 18 to 20, residing in the communes of Nà Nhạn, Nà Tấu (Điện Biên Phủ city), and Quài Cang (Tuần Giáo district).

Earlier, around 11:00pm on September 6, 2024, the Mường Ảng district Police received a report about several individuals riding motorcycles with weapons, disturbing the public order in the Búng Lao commune area. The police instructed relevant units and the Búng Lao commune Police to verify and apprehend the suspects. During the pursuit, the group used their motorcycles to block the police, preventing them from overtaking. As the chase neared, they threw glass bottles at the police and stopped to threaten the officers with machetes. With quick thinking and bravery, the police successfully subdued and arrested one of the suspects, Tòng Văn Quý. By September 11, 2024, all the individuals involved in the case had been arrested.

Recent years have seen significant investments in rural transportation infrastructure, bringing about positive changes in remote areas. Improved roads have facilitated travel, enhanced local livelihoods, and made motorcycles an essential mode of transportation for commuting and trading goods. However, a substantial number of rural residents still lack awareness of traffic laws and regulations, posing significant risks to road safety.

According to Lò Văn Quân, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ẳng Cang commune, while there has been notable improvement in people’s compliance with traffic laws, many still intentionally violate road safety regulations. Some motorists have no proper documentation, licenses, or helmets, and only comply with traffic rules when law enforcement is present.

To address these issues, the Traffic Police Department of Điện Biên provincial Police has implemented various measures, including collaborating with local organizations and authorities to promote traffic safety awareness and culture. They have also launched initiatives to encourage community involvement in maintaining road safety, such as the “All people participate in maintaining traffic order and safety” campaign.

Through these efforts, residents are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibility to ensure road safety and are voluntarily complying with traffic regulations.

To tackle traffic safety issues among students and teenagers, traffic police forces are working closely with schools and families to promote education and awareness. They regularly disseminate information, educate, and remind parents to manage their children’s schedules, vehicles, and activities. To minimize violations of traffic laws in schools, the provincial Department of Education and Training has instructed schools to intensify education on traffic safety and regulations. Schools, especially those in mountainous areas, are coordinating with agencies and units to organize training sessions and guide students on safe driving practices.

According to Bùi Trung Thành, Principal of Tuần Giáo district High School, the school has been actively conducting education and awareness programs on traffic safety. These efforts not only help students learn self-protection skills but also equip them with knowledge and skills for safe driving.

Students are also encouraged to share their knowledge with their families and communities, contributing to reducing traffic accidents in the area. The authorities’ efforts to ensure safety and protect lives are evident in their specific solutions and activities. Ultimately, the tranquility of roads depends largely on each citizen’s awareness and compliance with traffic rules. Every individual must take responsibility, raise their awareness, and become a civilized and law-abiding participant in traffic, prioritizing their own safety and that of others.