51 killed in traffic accidents in H1 2024: police

The number of deaths and serious injuries from traffic accidents in the first half of 2024 decreased compared to last year. However, the number of fatalities involving cyclists has risen.

Police recorded 363 fatal and serious injury traffic accidents involving 392 people, down 42 percent from the same period last year. Among the 392 casualties, 341 were seriously injured and 51 were killed, including 18 drivers, nine passengers, seven cyclists, and 17 pedestrians.

The fatal traffic accidents involved 17 trucks, 17 private cars, nine taxis and eight motorcycles. Over half were caused by driver inattention, including ignoring blind spots, not paying attention to road conditions, and careless lane changing. 

Over 20 percent were caused by losing control of the vehicle, including speeding and lack of road experience. The remaining 20 percent involved other factors such as physical unfitness and not applying hand brakes properly.

The number of cyclist fatalities has increased significantly, more than two and a half times compared to last year. The fatalities were a result of cyclists being hit by other vehicles and losing control while falling on an incline. Six out of the seven deceased cyclists were not wearing helmets.

In response to such trends, police will launch two major operations in the third quarter of this year to strengthen publicity, education and enforcement to enhance public road safety awareness.