Introduction
The transportation of goods using converted passenger buses is increasingly common in the Eastern region, particularly on National Highways 18A and 18C. However, the prevalence of dilapidated vehicles, overloading, and potential traffic accident risks are raising significant concerns. This article analyzes the reality of “passenger bus to truck conversions” and the inherent dangers.
The Reality of Converted Passenger Buses in the Eastern Region
Observations in Mong Cai and along National Highways 18A and 18C reveal numerous old, converted passenger buses operating for freight transport. Many vehicles show serious signs of deterioration: rusty doors, extended roofs for cargo, and makeshift headlights. The image of vehicle 14L-6434 on Hoa Binh Street, Mong Cai, is a typical example.
Dilapidated converted passenger bus with rusty doors and makeshift repairs, posing a safety hazard.
On National Highway 18A, passing through Hai Yen Ward (Mong Cai City), vehicle 98B-002.78 carries bulky goods, with sheet metal stacked high on the roof. A similar situation occurs on National Highway 18C, near the Hoanh Mo border gate (Binh Lieu), with many old converted vehicles “hauling goods.” Vehicle 14C-021.84 even parks in the middle of the road to load and unload goods.
Overloaded converted passenger bus carrying excessive cargo, obstructing traffic and creating unsafe conditions.
Accident Risks from Converted Passenger Buses
Converted passenger buses often carry excessive loads and travel at high speeds, especially at night, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. The serious accident at Km114+700 (old Bai Chay bridge toll station area) caused by vehicle 14N-2012 is a prime example. The vehicle, carrying ceramic tiles, lost control and collided with several other vehicles, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries.
Vehicle 14N-2012: A History of Smuggling and Accidents
Notably, vehicle 14N-2012 has been repeatedly caught smuggling goods but continued to operate. From 2008 to 2015, this vehicle was seized by authorities for transporting smuggled goods including household appliances, furniture, general merchandise, computer accessories, toys, and powdered grease.
Solutions for the Problem of Converted Passenger Buses?
Stricter inspection and registration of old passenger buses converted into trucks are necessary. Functional forces need to intensify inspections and strictly handle violations related to overloading and vehicles lacking technical safety.
Traffic police inspecting a converted passenger bus, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and vehicle safety checks.
Conclusion
Converting passenger vehicles into trucks poses significant traffic safety risks. Decisive measures are needed to control the operation of these vehicles, ensuring the safety of road users. Strengthening inspections, strictly handling violations, and tightening regulations on vehicle conversions are essential to address this problem.
