Hanoi (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - The Vietnamese government decided to make 2012 a "year for traffic safety" during which traffic regulations and orders will be strictly reinforced nationwide.

The instructions were made by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who is also chairman of the National Committee for Traffic Safety (CTS), at the ceremony to launch plans for the year 2012 here on Tuesday.

Capital Hanoi should take the lead in the national campaign in handling traffic jams.

Despite great efforts, traffic accidents and jams continue to occur and become an urgent, concerned social problem. The government`s decision proves determination of people nationwide to improve traffic disciplines and orders against traffic jams, especially in big cities, said the deputy prime minister.

Authorities at all levels have to enhance education on the laws and raise the public awareness about traffic safety, considering this an important task both at schools and in families. At the same time, strict punishment to violators should be done properly, he added.

In respond to the national year for traffic safety 2012, capital Hanoi set targets to reduce at least 10 percent of the traffic accidents and 20 percent of the traffic jams in the city. At the same time, local authorities will strictly prevent illegal motorbike races and violations of streets and pavements for private use, said Hanoi People`s Committee Chairman Nguyen The Thao.

In 2011, about 30 people were killed per day by traffic accidents in the country.
(U.P012/M016)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012