What should be done to reduce the number of road accidents?

Many lives are lost in road accidents every year. According to public security officials, in only three days 63 accidents were reported across Laos, in which 11 people died. This appears to be an insoluble problem and road users are at increasing risk. Vientiane Times asked around to get people’s thoughts on this disturbing situation.

Mr Ta, a government official in Vientiane province: I often see reports about people being killed in road accidents. Most of these accidents are caused by speeding or drunk drivers. All drivers should more be careful on the roads out of consideration for their passengers and other road users. In addition, the authorities should strictly enforce the law and clamp down on dangerous drivers.
 
Ms Nome Souliyatham, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane:  This is a difficult matter to address, partly because there are more vehicles on the roads each year. I’m quite sure that many motorists don’t have a driving licence and I also see many youngsters under the age of 18 driving too fast and often using their mobile phones while driving. Respect for the law by all drivers is of the utmost importance. Another problem is that most drivers don’t pay attention to safety measures, such as wearing helmets and using seat belts. I think all drivers should pay greater attention to their safety to reduce the risk of accidents.
 
Ms Siphon, an employee in Luang Prabang province:  I’m very sad when I read about road accidents, especially when people are killed. I sympathise deeply with their families, who must be in a state of shock and great sadness. I’m scared when I’m on the roads every day because the number of vehicles is increasing while drivers are becoming more impatient and inconsiderate. And quite a lot of traffic lights haven’t been working for a long time, but no one seems to do anything about it. There are also lots of roads that don’t have streetlights. Some roads have poles but no lights on them. Streetlights should be installed on all roads to reduce the risk of accidents and other problems.

Mr Chanthavone Keosouliya, a resident of Savanakhet province:
According to a CCTV video clip I saw on social media, it seems that most accidents occur because people drive too fast and totally ignore the rules of the road. If people didn’t drive after they’ve been drinking, this would help to save lives. No one wants to see accidents happen, so all drivers should obey the rules. In addition, the authorities should enforce the law.
 
Ms Bounthong, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: The authorities have made rules for drivers with a view to lowering the accident rate. But I think it’s very difficult to turn things around because it seems the law is poorly enforced and most drivers simply refuse to comply with the regulations. Many people don’t understand or know what the regulations are, and the authorities are lax in implementing them. The police should run more publicity campaigns to inform people about the regulations and make sure that everyone complies with them.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update October 28, 2022)