Traffic Police Team No. 7, Department 6 of the Traffic Police Department, reported that from the night of 9/7 to the early morning of 10/7, a task force issued citations to one truck driver from TP HCM and one driver from An Giang at Km64+300 on the Trung Luong - My Thuan - Can Tho Expressway. These drivers were cited for failing to activate hazard lights and not placing cones or warning signs at a minimum safe distance of 150 m behind their vehicles when stopping on a traffic lane due to technical issues.

On 14/7, police continued to fine two drivers from Dong Thap and An Giang for not displaying hazardous warning signs while stopping on the Trung Luong - My Thuan - Can Tho Expressway. Decree 168/2024 stipulates that stopping or parking on an expressway in an unauthorized location will result in a fine of 12 to 14 million VND and a deduction of 6 points from the driver's license. If such an action causes an accident, the fine increases to 20 to 22 million VND.

The Traffic Police Department emphasizes the critical importance of proper warning signs. On expressways where vehicles travel at speeds up to 120 km/h, a distance of 50 m—as observed in a recent accident—is equivalent to the distance a vehicle covers in just over one second. This distance is too short for a following driver to perceive the situation, especially at night or in limited visibility, and subsequently assess risks, reduce speed, or change lanes to avoid obstacles.

Previously, on the night of 6/7, an accident occurred on the Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet Expressway, in Bac Binh commune, Lam Dong province. The collision between two trucks resulted in one driver's death, an injured co-driver, and significant damage to both vehicles. The incident was caused by a truck stopping on a traffic lane due to a technical problem, with the driver only placing a paint can approximately 50 m behind the vehicle as a warning.

Scene of the accident on Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet Expressway on the night of 6/7. *Photo: CACC*

Statistics from the Traffic Police Department show that 40% of traffic accidents on expressways in the first half of this year were related to improper stopping or parking, particularly between 6 PM the previous day and 5 AM the following day. This period poses many risks due to limited visibility and drivers being prone to losing focus or becoming fatigued. These factors often lead to a cascade of violations, including failing to maintain a safe distance, not observing carefully, and changing lanes without signaling, all of which can result in serious consequences.

Beyond technical breakdowns, many drivers stop on expressways for personal reasons, such as using the restroom, sleeping, or simply resting. In these instances, drivers often rely solely on hazard lights, turn signals, or simple objects as warnings. For example, on 13/6, on the Cao Bo - Mai Son Expressway, a driver from Ha Noi was fined 13 million VND and had 6 points deducted from their driver's license for stopping on a traffic lane to let passengers use the restroom.

The Traffic Police Department advises drivers to familiarize themselves with rest stops and entry-exit points before entering an expressway. In unavoidable circumstances requiring a stop, drivers must pull their vehicle into the emergency lane or close to the right shoulder, activate hazard lights, and place a warning sign at least 150 m behind the vehicle. Additionally, all passengers should exit the vehicle and move beyond the guardrail on the right side of the road. It is best to position a person at least 50 m behind the stopped vehicle, close to the shoulder, to wave a warning. Drivers should also contact the road management unit for assistance.

Viet An