It is often argued that enforcing harsher penalties for traffic violations would be the key factor to decrease the number of road accidents. However, others believe that alternative strategies would be more successful in order to improve road safety. Although both views hold merits, in my opinion, the second statement would be a better choice to address that issue.
On the one hand, supporters of stricter traffic rules claim that clear regulations and their enforcement significantly can reduce accidents. Strict penalties can act as a strong discouragement against dangerous driving behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, using mobile phone when driving, running a red light,… When drivers aware that they would be harshly penalized when they skirt laws, they would think twice before breaking the law. For example, fines for traffic violations in Vietnam are increasing; by 2026, those who run red lights could face fines ranging from 4 million to 20 million VND, depending on the type of vehicle. Furthermore, stricter laws promote a culture of safety, making individuals more conscious of their behaviour behind the wheel.
On the other hand, improving public transportation addresses the root cause of many traffic problems: the high number of private vehicles on the road. Therefore, if people choose public transportation, it could significantly reduce traffic congestion and prevent traffic accidents. In addition, educating drivers is also crucial; they need to be aware of their responsibilities and the serious consequences for themselves and others if they violate traffic laws. In Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, AI cameras have been installed on 25 streets to monitor traffic order and issue fines for traffic violations. These addresses that there are more ways to reduce mistakes instead of just penalizing.
In conclusion, while strict punishment plays an important role in reducing traffic accidents, they shouldn’t rely this as the only solution. Other measures such as education and improved public transportation would be a better choice if the government wants to incident in the future.