In a recent fatal accident on 12/5 in Truong Luu commune (formerly Can Loc district), Ha Tinh, a truck collided with a motorbike carrying two women, aged 56 and 86, resulting in both victims dying at the scene. A significant detail that drew public attention was the large road being almost entirely narrowed by residents drying rice on both sides. Beyond determining the responsibility of the direct parties—the truck and motorbike drivers—many questioned whether those drying rice should also be held accountable for narrowing the roadway.
Regarding this issue, the Traffic Police Department clarified that drying rice on roads violates road traffic laws, specifically the illegal use of road infrastructure. This practice narrows the carriageway, jeopardizing safety for vehicles. If such actions lead to damage to life, health, or property of road users, individuals could face fines or criminal charges for obstructing road traffic, as stipulated in Article 261 of the Penal Code.
In fact, there have been instances where individuals drying rice were prosecuted for causing traffic accidents. For example, on 10/11/2025, the Ninh Binh Provincial Police Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and prohibit Vu Thi Mui, 67 years old, residing in Yen Khanh commune, Ninh Binh, from leaving her residence for the crime of obstructing road traffic. Previously, in June 2025, Mui used bricks, stones, and concrete to secure a tarp while drying rice on the road, causing a woman on a motorbike to collide with it, fall, and die.
The practice of drying rice on roads has persisted for many years in various localities. Residents often dry rice directly on asphalt or concrete surfaces, or on tarps placed on dirt roads. To prevent vehicles from running over the rice, many use bricks and stones to create boundaries, which poses significant risks. Authorities have issued fines repeatedly, but the situation continues.
Beyond the issue of drying rice, the Traffic Police Department also issued a warning to road users following the accident. Specifically, when driving from side roads or alleys onto a main road, road users must actively yield, stop, observe, and only proceed when safe. In the video, despite the truck driver continuously honking the warning horn, the motorcyclist did not stop or move aside.
Conversely, the truck driver observed the motorcyclist early but could not reduce speed enough to stop safely. While authorities must investigate the truck's speed, the driver's focus and operation, the braking system, tires, and vehicle load, the department recommends maintaining a safe distance, staying focused, and driving at an appropriate speed to ensure safety for oneself and others on the road.
Minh Hy
