On the evening of July 28th, a tragic accident between a train and a pickup truck at the railway crossing on Pham Van Thuan Street (Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai) resulted in two fatalities and three serious injuries. The incident raises critical questions about pickup truck safety in rear-end collisions and railway traffic safety.
Scene of the accident between a train and a pickup truck in Bien Hoa
Pickup Trucks and the Risk of Rear-End Collisions
Security camera footage shows the pickup truck deliberately crossing the railway tracks as the train approached, ignoring the stop signals from the gatekeeper. The severe impact completely deformed the front of the pickup truck. This tragic image highlights that pickup truck safety in rear-end collisions is a serious concern.
The Importance of Following Railway Traffic Laws
The 2008 Law on Road Traffic clearly stipulates the right of way for railway vehicles at intersections. Specifically, Article 25 stipulates that railway vehicles have priority at level crossings with roads and bridges shared with railways.
Road users must strictly obey traffic lights, warning bells, and barriers at railway crossings. Disregarding these regulations not only endangers themselves but also those around them.
Safety for Passengers in a Pickup Truck During a Collision
The accident also highlights the danger of carrying passengers in the bed of a pickup truck. The truck bed is not designed to carry passengers and lacks any safety features. In a collision, passengers in the truck bed are the most vulnerable. Pickup truck safety in rear-end collisions depends not only on the vehicle’s structure but also on compliance with passenger-carrying regulations.
The 2008 Law on Road Traffic (Article 21) clearly specifies the cases in which passengers are allowed to be carried in a cargo truck, mainly in emergencies, special missions, or evacuating people from dangerous areas. Carrying passengers in the bed of a pickup truck under normal conditions is illegal and carries a high risk of accidents.
Fasten Your Seatbelt – An Essential Safety Measure
Another important lesson from the accident is the importance of wearing seatbelts, even when sitting in the back seat. Seatbelts help minimize serious injuries in the event of a collision.
The importance of wearing a seatbelt
Conclusion: Drive Safely, Be Responsible for Yourself and the Community
Traffic accidents always leave tragic consequences. To ensure safety for themselves and the community, all road users need to raise awareness, comply with traffic laws, especially at railway crossings. Pickup truck safety in rear-end collisions is not only a technical factor but also the driver’s awareness and responsibility. Always remember: safety comes first!
