A steady improvement in road safety means that Vietnam stands out from its neighbours in Asia. The country has seen a significant reduction in road deaths over the last decade.
In 2021 there were 17.7 fatalities/100,000 of population due to road crashes, a significant drop from the 25.4 fatalities/100,000 of population due to road crashes seen in 2010. These are official figures ratified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
While some of Vietnam’s drop in road deaths for 2021 can be attributed to the lower total distances driven due to the measures enacted during COVID 19 pandemic, the overall picture for the country is one of steady gains in road safety.
The country has enacted much tougher enforcement measures against drivers, particularly for speeding and driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Meanwhile, enforcement of helmet use amongst powered two wheeler users has also become significantly more rigorous. Further new laws aimed at improving road safety are planned for Vietnam in 2023.
