The recent surge in wrong-way driving incidents on expressways is alarming. This behavior not only disregards the law but also the lives of the drivers themselves and other road users. The current penalties of 30-40 million VND and 10 penalty points on driving licenses are substantial, yet violations persist.

Several reasons contribute to this issue. First, many drivers lack awareness and prioritize convenience over safety, choosing to drive against traffic to avoid lengthy detours. Second, some drivers underestimate the risks, believing a short wrong-way drive is harmless, overlooking the potential for disaster in mere seconds. Third, while monitoring and enforcement have improved, they remain inconsistent. Many expressway sections lack continuous camera surveillance, relying primarily on footage shared by other drivers, which isn't a sufficient deterrent.

The gravest concern is the potential for devastating consequences. Accidents involving wrong-way drivers can impact entire families and innocent bystanders. While the penalties are significant, the danger persists if driver behavior doesn't change.

Beyond increasing camera installations and automated ticketing, publicly naming violators and even revoking driving licenses for extended periods may be necessary to change this behavior. Drivers must understand that their safety and the safety of others outweigh saving a few minutes.

Vu Vu