On the afternoon of January 24, at the intersection of Ky Dong town, Ky Anh district, Ha Tinh province, traffic congestion occurred on National Route 1A when traffic lights suddenly stopped working due to a power outage. The incident garnered significant attention on social media after a video showing vehicles standing still for an extended period was widely shared.
Vehicles standing still on National Route 1A
Vehicles halted due to malfunctioning traffic lights (Screenshot from video).
Cause of the Incident: Power Outage Leads to Traffic Light Failure
According to leaders of the Ky Dong town People’s Committee, the primary cause of the incident was a power surge in the area, resulting in a sudden power cut. This caused the traffic light system at the Ky Dong intersection — where National Route 1A meets Dong Phu Road — to stop functioning completely.
For over an hour, both directions on National Route 1A were in chaos. Many drivers of cars and motorcycles, concerned about violating traffic rules, chose to remain stationary rather than continue moving.
Currently, under Decree 168/2022/ND-CP, the penalties for running a red light are severe: up to VND 10 million for motorbikes and VND 20 million for cars. This has made many people hesitant, even “freezing” when faced with malfunctioning traffic lights.
Public and Official Responses
On the morning of January 25, during an interview with Dan Tri, leaders of the Ky Dong town People’s Committee confirmed that approximately one hour after the incident, power was restored, and the traffic light system resumed normal operation.
They also noted that during the time the traffic lights were out, there was only minor congestion. Some drivers carefully observed the scene and decided to proceed to avoid blocking other vehicles.
At the same time, local traffic police quickly arrived to manage traffic, helping vehicles flow smoothly again.
Guidelines for Handling Malfunctioning Traffic Lights
According to a traffic police officer, when traffic lights are not functioning, they lose their legal authority. Therefore, citizens are allowed to proceed but must follow these guidelines:
- Stay calm and observe: Drivers should assess the situation and carefully observe surrounding vehicles to ensure safety.
- Give way: At complex intersections, prioritize yielding to vehicles from the right or those already in the intersection.
- Report the issue: If traffic lights are found to be malfunctioning, citizens should promptly notify authorities through the hotline for timely intervention.
Lessons Learned from the Incident
The incident at the Ky Dong intersection highlights the heavy reliance on traffic light systems in infrastructure and underscores the importance of improving public awareness and skills in handling such situations.
In the context of busy arterial routes like National Route 1A, it is crucial to have contingency plans to minimize the impact of technical failures. Additionally, increased education on how to handle traffic light malfunctions would help people feel more confident in making decisions in similar situations.
Conclusion
The malfunction of traffic lights at the Ky Dong intersection serves as a reminder of the role of transportation infrastructure and the responsibility of each individual in ensuring safe traffic participation. We hope that relevant authorities will soon implement improvements and enhance guidance for the public to minimize such incidents in the future.
Remember, when traffic lights fail, you have the right to proceed, but always prioritize safety and cooperate closely with authorities to address the issue effectively.
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