There was a personal experience in Japan that taught me the value of strict traffic law enforcement. This story is not only a lesson for me to better follow the traffic law but also a reflection of how Japan handles traffic violations effectively.
In 1978, I parked my car by the roadside in a quiet suburban area while visiting a friend. Thinking I would only be there briefly, I did not bother checking for traffic signs nearby.
When I returned 15 minutes later, a fine slip was on my car's windshield. It stated that I had parked in a prohibited area about 50 meters from a no-parking sign. I was fined about $50—a significant amount at the time.
The ticket required me to report to the traffic police department in the southern part of the city at 10 a.m. within three days to pay the fine.
Since I lived in the northern part of the city, I had to adjust my schedule and figure out how to get to the police department.
The next day, I took the morning off work and arrived by 9:30 a.m. Others with earlier appointments were already meeting with the officer who issued all of our fines.
When it was my turn, the officer explained that she had used a loudspeaker to instruct me to move my car, but I didn’t comply, which resulted in the fine.
Before accepting my payment, the officer gave me a practical lesson on Japanese traffic laws. The process was inconvenient, costing me both time and money, but it left a deep impression. I learned that following traffic laws is about more than avoiding penalties—it reflects a person's respect for the community and personal discipline.
This experience demonstrates how Japan's approach to traffic violations combines strictness with education. Vietnam could benefit from adopting similar measures, especially considering its alarming traffic problems.
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A motorbike rider is stopped by a traffic police officer in Hanoi, Jan. 1, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Chinh |
Violations like lane hogging, jaywalking, and illegal street racing are common in Vietnam. This chaos endangers road safety and damages the country's international image.
Vietnam must implement deterrent measures with real impact while educating the public about the importance of following traffic laws.
Fines should not stop at monetary penalties. Offenders should also do community service or retake traffic law courses. These measures help them understand the seriousness of their actions.
Raising traffic fines is necessary, but traffic law enforcement must be consistent to create lasting changes in drivers' behavior. While people may resist at first, they'll adapt over time. With strict law enforcement and heavy fines, driving habits will improve, and so will traffic conditions.
With persistence, Vietnam can achieve safer, more organized roads, improving the country's quality of life and driving its economic growth.