New Campaign Seeks to Curb Drunk Driving in Vietnam

Though drunk driving is a well-known problem in Vietnam, it is still prevalent, resulting in not only in the loss of life, but serious economic ramifications. To address this, the National Traffic Safety Committee has launched a three-month campaign to stop drunk drivers in their tracks.

The two slogans of the campaign, “Don’t drive after drinking” and “Driving under the influence of alcohol – High cost to pay” seek to heighten public awareness of the issue.

The enforcement aspect of the campaign will focus on using breathalyzers to check for drivers whose alcohol intake are above the legal limit (though according to multiple sources, there is none).

The committee stated that it will also use ‘propaganda’ to drive (no pun intended) the point home:

“In addition, seminars on the relationship between drinking and traffic accidents will be held on Vietnam Television (VTV) and the Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) to provide regulations on the legal blood alcohol level of drivers, enforce penalties for violations, and advise drivers to comply with these regulations and all other traffic rules for everybody’s safety. “

According to Major General Tuyen, 80 percent of traffic violations and 30% of road fatalities in Vietnam are related to drunk driving.

The practice is also seriously hurting the economy. Nguyen Hoang Hiep, deputy chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said that the country lost 2.6 percent of its GDP, or US$3.5 billion, to traffic accidents related to drinking and driving in 2012.

Perhaps one day we’ll be able to take a xe om after 7pm without the fear of imminent death. But probably not.

[Tuoi Tre // Photo via WHO Vietnam]