HANOI, Vietnam – May 31, 2022

Action for a better tomorrow

Joining the international community in the global movement to improve health and well-being around the world, Vietnam is inherently aligned with the Global Sustainable Development goals. A dangerous road leads to a dangerous city in which no one benefits. In order to achieve the targets and goals outlined in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda ensuring a more sustainable future for all, we must work together.

AIP Foundation, in collaboration with the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) and the Transport Newspaper, is hosting a press conference, as part of the nationwide campaign on road traffic law reform in Vietnam, supported by the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

Engaging with the press for safer roads

The objective of the press conference was to provide Vietnamese media agencies with up-to-date scientific information and practical recommendations, ensuring they comprehend the road safety context globally and in Vietnam so that they disseminate their knowledge to the mass audience, which in turn can influence upcoming Road Traffic Law Amendment and Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety. 

By engaging the media and increasing visibility and public awareness, we ensure that people are involved in every step of the decision-making process, bringing road safety out of the isolation in which it has been treated for far too long. This marks an important step to contributing to lasting policy reform making our roads safer throughout Vietnam. Dr. Trần Hữu Minh from the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) had the pleasure to welcome participants to the press conference and deliver the opening speech. 

A human-centered approach for road safety

To achieve the global target of reducing road injuries and fatalities by 50%, a human-centered approach to mobility – and above all road safety – is mandatory for collaboration and behavioral change. The priority top five behavioral risk factors have been identified as drinking and driving, speed, helmet use, seatbelts, and child restraints.

The key recommendations regarding the top 5 behavioral risk factors were shared and expanded upon during the press conference. The participants received updated progress on the amending of the Road Traffic Law, and the drafting of the Law on Traffic Order and Safety. Current inadequacies in legal regulations and enforcement related to 5 behavioral risk factors in Vietnam were also reviewed. 

Achieving legal changes together

In addition to media agencies, policymakers from key agencies at the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Health, and other key relevant agencies in Vietnam benefitted from key findings of the in-depth technical report as outlined above and extended recommendations from leading road safety experts to amend the laws and ensure safer streets and roads for life.

The invited journalists and press agencies play a crucial role in raising public awareness and communicating to the wider public about road safety. The press conference will encourage more attention and continued reporting on road safety risk factors that will protect road users from deaths and injuries on the road. 

This press conference was held before the National Assembly reviews a draft proposal for the first time, momentum for the media to spread awareness of the upcoming changes to influence the Government to make a positive change ensuring safe roads for all in Vietnam.

To view more photos from the event, please click here.

To read more about our press release, please click here.