39 students killed in traffic accidents in Vietnam’s Dak Lak in 9 months

Colonel Nguyen Huy Thanh, head of the Dak Lak traffic police division, said on Friday that his unit is preparing a province-wide training program to equip students with essential traffic safety skills.

Recent accidents underscore traffic safety risks among students.

On September 15, a collision between a motorbike, an e-bike, and a car on National Highway No. 26 in Tan An Ward killed a 10th grader.

On September 6, a sixth grader was fatally struck by a garbage truck on the school campus.

In August alone, at least five accidents claimed four students’ lives and injured another four.

Authorities said many students lack proper riding skills and road awareness.

Outside schools, it is common to see students and parents riding without helmets, carrying two or three passengers, or crossing busy highways unsafely.

Local schools have launched campaigns, requiring students and parents to sign safety pledges, assigning student patrols, and staggering dismissal times to reduce congestion. However, some students remain careless.

In the first half of 2025, police detected more than 1,200 student traffic violations across the province, including not wearing helmets, running red lights, and reckless driving.

On April 24, nearly 70 teenagers were caught racing modified e-bikes at speeds of 70-100kph to film videos for social media.

From the 2025-26 school year, Dak Lak traffic police have expanded on-campus campaigns using interactive activities and simulated scenarios to help students absorb safety knowledge.

Officers have also checked student vehicles, particularly e-bikes and motorbikes, and banned parking lots from accepting underage riders with large-capacity motorcycles.

“Our goal is for every officer to be able to guide students directly in their neighborhoods. When students gain proper skills and awareness, tragic accidents will decrease,” Colonel Thanh said.