What must be done to motivate young people to drive safely?

Many lives are lost in road accidents across Laos each year, with a large proportion of victims being young people. The police are trying to improve matters but their efforts have been ineffectual, due to lax law enforcement. Vientiane Times asked around for opinions on ways to encourage safe driving.

Mr Kien Vongvilaitham, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: I think the traffic police should run more effective campaigns on road safety, directed at young people. These should begin in schools, or online on social media, which I think is the best way to get through to youngsters, as social media is a key part of our lives these days. The authorities should run an intensive media campaign to persuade youngsters to act more responsibly on the roads. Everyone needs to work together to tackle this issue and raise awareness of the need to drive with caution. Road users need to show more respect for one another by slowing down and giving way in hazardous situations. This applies to both motorbike riders and vehicle drivers.
 
Ms Namfon Souliya, a student in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: I often see news reports about people dying in road accidents, most of which are caused by reckless or drunk driving. I’m well aware of the need for safety and compliance with the traffic regulations, but I’m concerned because I see many young people who pay no attention to safety. They don’t wear a seat belt while driving, and a lot of people also don’t wear a helmet when riding a motorbike. I like to listen to the safe driving programmes on the radio, which tell me how to drive safely and inform me about the rules of the road. I urge everyone to pay more attention to the regulations to reduce the number of accidents. And no one should drink and drive. Why is it that no one is ever prosecuted in court for dangerous or drunken driving?
 
Ms Somphet Sonesackda, a government official in Hadxaifong district, Vientiane: I know the police try to make our roads safer, but the standard of driving doesn’t seem to improve, especially among motorbike riders, who mostly drive without concern for other road users. Some drivers seem to be ignorant about safe driving habits and the traffic regulations, but they must have passed a driving test, right? I definitely think the authorities should run more road safety campaigns and do more to prevent accidents, with a focus on schoolchildren. All drivers should pay greater attention to their safety to reduce the risk of accidents. Even more important, they should comply with the rules of the road, which are pretty basic, but rarely seem to be enforced.
 
Mr Phoungern Sivongsa, a government official in Xayaboury province: This is something that affects the development of Laos, as well as other countries. There should be a greater focus on young people. Road safety education should start at home, with parents ensuring that their children don’t drive unless they are fully qualified to do so. They should insist that their children are properly informed about safe driving before they get on a motorbike or behind the wheel of a car or pickup. This would protect them and help to save lives. In my opinion, parents shouldn’t allow their children to drive if they are under 18 because they can’t take proper care of themselves on the roads, and most haven’t got a licence or been taught how to drive properly. It shouldn’t just be up to the authorities and traffic police to deal with this problem; parents should discipline their children and teach them to act responsibly and considerately.
 
Ms Paphatsone, a student in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: I hear about road accidents almost every day, and most of the victims are youngsters. I think many people don’t understand the rules of the road or even know what they are, and law enforcement in this regard is very weak. We need more publicity campaigns to teach people about safe driving, and impose measures to ensure compliance with the regulations. Parents should also act more responsibly and ensure their children are competent drivers before allowing them to take to the road.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 17, 2022)