Faced with increasingly complex urban traffic, especially at key intersections in Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Transport has implemented a new solution: installing traffic lights that allow motorcycles to turn right on red. This is seen as a step towards reducing congestion, but is it truly effective and safe, or does it harbor potential risks, even raising concerns about unnecessary collisions between motorcycles, especially those “modified” with extra lights, and trucks?
In fact, turning right on red is already a common practice for many motorcyclists in Vietnam. However, with Decree 168/2024/ND-CP increasing penalties for traffic violations, people have become more cautious, limiting right turns on red to avoid fines. This, inadvertently, contributes to increased congestion, especially during peak hours and the year-end period when traffic volume pouring into the city surges.
To address this issue, the Road Traffic Infrastructure Management Center quickly piloted a new traffic light system at many intersections with high motorcycle density. These lights feature a motorcycle symbol and a green arrow, installed in sync with existing traffic light poles.
According to observations at installation points, the public seems quite supportive of this solution. Being allowed to turn right on red helps motorcycle traffic flow more smoothly, reducing waiting pressure at intersections, especially as traffic congestion is a pressing problem.
However, alongside the clear benefits of congestion reduction, allowing motorcycles to turn right on red also raises questions about traffic safety. Is the new light system clear and easy to understand for all road users? Will other vehicles, especially trucks and container trucks, easily observe and yield to motorcycles turning right, especially in limited visibility conditions?
These concerns are not unfounded. In reality, there have been many serious traffic accidents between motorcycles and trucks, especially in turning or maneuvering situations. Images of “heavily lit” motorcycles, with flashy modifications, can sometimes become “blind spots” for truck drivers, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. This raises concerns about the risk of “motorcycles with excessive lights being hit by trucks” when participating in traffic under conditions where infrastructure and traffic awareness are still inadequate.
For the green right turn light solution to be truly effective and safe, synchronized coordination from many parties is needed. The Department of Transport needs to continue to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the light system, while strengthening communication and guidance to the public about traffic laws and safe traffic culture. In addition, the self-awareness to comply with regulations, to yield, and to respect each other among road users, whether motorcycle or truck drivers, remains the key factor to ensure safety and minimize traffic congestion on the streets.
Initially, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport plans to deploy right-turn traffic lights for motorcycles at 50 locations, prioritizing intersections with high traffic volume and ensuring safety conditions. It is hoped that this solution will contribute to improving urban traffic conditions, bringing more smoothness and safety to city residents.
