Warning loudspeakers installed on Ho Chi Minh City bridge to reduce accidents during bad weather

The section of the Saigon Bridge heading toward the downtown area is equipped with two LED display boards and new loudspeakers broadcasting continuous warnings about slippery road conditions and urging commuters to reduce speed.

Heavy rain hit the area on Friday, affecting residents’ travel.

Tan Tai, a ride-hailing driver, said he supported the initiative, praising authorities for proactively warning road users during dangerous weather conditions.

He also called on riders to stay focused and maintain control of their vehicles as the rainy season intensifies.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Road Traffic and Technical Infrastructure Management Center under the department, the system aims to reduce traffic accidents and collisions on the bridge during bad weather.

Accidents on the bridge commonly occur during poor weather for two main reasons.

First, some riders tend to accelerate when rain suddenly begins, causing them to lose control of their speed.

Second, many commuters stop on the bridge to put on raincoats, creating hazardous conditions.

Also, the bridge’s location and changing climate patterns often bring heavy rain and strong winds, increasing the risk of crashes and falls, according to the center.

“Previously, we installed LED warning signs, but during rainstorms people often try to move quickly and pay less attention to visual notices,” a representative from the center said.

“Therefore, we added loudspeakers to provide audio warnings and improve awareness.

“We will keep a close watch on conditions on other bridges and may expand the system,” the representative added.

The Saigon Bridge has long been identified as a hotspot for accidents during severe weather, with some incidents triggering domino-effect crashes that caused multiple riders to fall at the same time.