At noon on February 1 (the 4th day of the Lunar New Year), a multi-vehicle pile-up involving four cars occurred on the HCMC – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway, near Long Thanh District in Dong Nai Province. The incident not only caused property damage but also resulted in an 8-kilometer traffic jam from National Highway 51 to Long Thanh Bridge heading towards HCMC.
Multi-vehicle accident on HCMC – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway
Accident Scene and Consequences
According to reports from the scene, the accident happened when four vehicles failed to maintain a safe distance after descending Long Thanh Bridge. Although no casualties were reported, several vehicles sustained significant damage, with one car’s airbags deploying. This highlights the dangerous nature of the situation and the need for improved driver awareness on expressways.
Upon receiving the report, traffic police from Highway Patrol Team No. 6 (under the Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security) quickly arrived at the scene to investigate the cause. Simultaneously, they worked to redirect traffic to alleviate the prolonged congestion.
Traffic Conditions on the 4th Day of Lunar New Year
The 4th day of the Lunar New Year marks the time when thousands of vehicles return to HCMC from central provinces after the holiday. Not only the HCMC – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway but also the Phan Thiet – Dau Giay expressway experienced heavy congestion across multiple sections. Provinces like Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and Dong Nai saw large numbers of family vehicles heading back to major cities in the southern region.
Authorities worked tirelessly to manage the traffic flow, yet the sudden surge in vehicle volume remained a significant challenge for the current transportation infrastructure.
Causes and Proposed Solutions
Primary Causes
- Failure to Maintain Safe Distance: This was the direct cause of the multi-vehicle pile-up. Many drivers tend to be overconfident while traveling on expressways, especially on complex terrains such as near Long Thanh Bridge.
- Sudden Surge in Vehicle Volume: After the Lunar New Year holiday, there was a sharp increase in vehicles returning to major cities, placing immense pressure on the transportation system.
- Lack of Traffic Law Compliance: Some drivers still fail to strictly adhere to speed limits and safe distance regulations.
Proposed Solutions
- Enhance Driver Awareness: Strengthen public education about the importance of maintaining a safe distance and adhering to speed limits while driving on expressways.
- Improve Transportation Infrastructure: Invest in expanding expressways and constructing additional lanes to reduce congestion during peak periods.
- Implement Technology: Use intelligent traffic monitoring systems to detect and address violations promptly.
- Effective Traffic Diversion: Authorities should develop flexible traffic management plans, particularly during major holidays or weekends.
Conclusion
The multi-vehicle pile-up on the HCMC – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway serves as a wake-up call highlighting the urgent need to improve driver awareness and upgrade the transportation system. To minimize accidents and congestion, every individual must take responsibility when driving, and authorities need to implement comprehensive and effective solutions. Let’s work together to create a safer and more convenient transportation environment for everyone.
Source: Dan Tri
