Since the start of this year, Da Nang’s police officers have enhanced the sense of responsibility and exerted great efforts to ensure local security and traffic safety, especially during such large-scale international events as the 2017 Asia Golf Tourism Convention and APEC summit week.

Rapid response police officers ready for their night-time patrols across the city

It was reported that, between January and November, a total of 112 road traffic accidents were recorded in the city.  These crashes resulted in 70 deaths and 76 serious injuries, and caused property damage of about 228 million VND in total.  However, the city saw a decrease in the number of accidents, deaths and injuries by 25, 19 and 23 respectively against the previous year.

Over the past 11 months, a total of tens of billion VND in fines were imposed on over 61,000 traffic violators. 

The violations included running through the red light, exceeding the speed limit, travelling in the wrong lanes and directions, riding motorcycles without wearing helmets, and drink-driving cases. 

The Head of the Traffic Police Division of the municipal Police Department, Colonel Le Ngoc, highlighted the significance of raising public awareness of traffic safety amongst local citizens to build a more civilised traffic culture in the city. 

In particular, the city’s traffic police’s own official Facebook page has received numerous traffic updates from local residents across the city.  Local citizens can interact by posting updates on the situation in their neighbourhood, photos and videos capturing traffic violations or accidents, and reports on the shortcomings of any officers or the city’s traffic system.  The law enforcers use the information to investigate and deal with offenders, and make the necessary adjustments in an effort to ensure traffic safety in the city.  The social media page also provides consultation and answers to local residents’ questions regarding traffic regulations and procedures.

Over recent months have seen positive results from patrols and checks by the local traffic police on the city’s streets, and stricter penalties have imposed on anyone who violates the national traffic regulations.

The handling of a traffic violator in progress

Apart from effective measures to ensure traffic safety, the local police have also made their vigorous efforts to crack down on criminals, especially rings of thieves.

In particular, the 11- month period saw a significant decrease in the number of thieves against the same period last year. 

For instance, in August, a 3- member motorbike thieving gang was spotted and successfully smashed.  During their interrogations, the offenders admitted that, since February, they had stolen about 30 motorbikes across the city.

Furthermore, regular night-time patrols have been effectively conducted by teams comprising police, military personnel and local residents in order to ensure a peaceful life for the city-dwellers.

Through such practical patrols, the local law enforcement forces have detected and arrested many persons involved in property thefts, and other kinds of social evils.   Also, many local families are usually reminded to close their doors or windows at night.