Ho Chi Minh City Overhauls Highways, Slashes Accidents by Over 60%

Ho Chi Minh City has undertaken a major overhaul of key national highways, including National Highway 51 and 13, leading to a dramatic reduction in traffic accidents and congestion. The initiative, aimed at tackling persistent traffic issues, has seen a significant improvement in road safety and traffic flow within six months.

Previously, National Highway 51 was notorious for severe traffic jams and a high risk of accidents due to the intermingling of heavy trucks, cars, and motorcycles. The new lane allocation system clearly separates these vehicle types. Motorcycles now have dedicated lanes closer to the sidewalks, while cars and buses occupy the middle lanes, and heavy trucks use lanes closest to the median barrier. This segregation is designed to protect vulnerable road users, particularly motorcyclists, from collisions with larger vehicles.

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Previously, National Highway 51 meant traffic jams, with vehicles inching along. Now, it's much clearer.

Local residents have noted the positive impact of these changes. "National Highway 51 used to mean traffic jams, with vehicles inching along," said Tran Huu Hanh, a resident. "Now, it's much clearer." He added that the clear lane markings have reduced instances of motorcycles weaving into truck lanes. Tran Quoc Tuan, another resident, acknowledged that while some drivers might find detours inconvenient due to restricted turns, the reduction in conflicts between motorcycles and cars has undeniably improved safety.

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The restriction of left turns at intersections might inconvenience some residents who have to take longer detours. However, it has undeniably limited conflicts between motorcycles and cars, thereby reducing traffic accidents.

Similar improvements have been observed on National Highway 13. "Separate lanes for different vehicles and increased enforcement have made travel safer," noted Son, a cyclo driver. "Motorcycles are no longer squeezed into the curb lanes during traffic jams, reducing collisions. I feel much safer driving here every day."

The initiative, managed by the Center for Traffic Management and Technical Infrastructure, involved reorganizing traffic on major routes with three or more lanes. The goal was to create a more synchronized and safer traffic system across the city, especially after administrative changes merged surrounding areas into Ho Chi Minh City. The success of these measures highlights the effectiveness of strategic traffic management in enhancing urban mobility and safety.

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Separate lanes for different vehicles and increased enforcement have made travel safer. Motorcycles are no longer squeezed into the curb lanes during traffic jams, reducing collisions. I feel much safer driving here every day.