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Key Concepts:

• Luật trật tự an toàn giao thông đường bộ năm 2024: New law mandating safety devices for children in cars.
• Thiết bị an toàn cho trẻ em: Safety devices such as car seats, booster seats, and harnesses.
• Ghế an toàn (Car seat): A specialized seat designed to protect infants and young children in vehicles.
• Đai trẻ em (Child harness): A restraint system for children.
• Đệm trẻ em (Booster seat): A seat that elevates a child to allow the adult seat belt to fit properly.
• Tổ chức Y tế Thế giới (WHO): World Health Organization, providing data on the effectiveness of safety devices.
• Đại học Y tế Công Cộng: A public health university, conducting research on traffic safety.
• Cục Cảnh sát giao thông: Traffic Police Department, providing guidance on compliance.
• Văn hóa giao thông: Traffic culture, emphasizing responsible behavior on the road.

Mandatory Safety Devices for Children in Cars

The new Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, effective from the beginning of next year, mandates the installation of safety devices for children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters in height when traveling in cars. This regulation aims to enhance child safety during road travel, drawing on scientific research in health and transportation.

Evidence of Effectiveness

• WHO Research: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the correct use and installation of safety devices can reduce the risk of death by up to 70% and severe injuries by 50% for children in traffic accidents.
• Public Health University Research: Studies from a Public Health University indicate that using appropriate safety devices is the most effective way to protect children during collisions, potentially reducing injury rates by 25% to 90%.
• International Experience: Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have seen significant reductions in child injuries and fatalities after implementing child safety seat laws.

Benefits of Safety Devices

• Preventing Ejection: These devices prevent children from being thrown forward during sudden braking or sharp turns.
• Proper Posture Support: They support a child's sitting posture, minimizing impacts on their developing bodies.
• Protection for Developing Bodies: Children's skeletal systems are still developing and are fragile. Correct seating positions protect their necks, backs, and pelvic bones.
• Addressing Inadequacy of Adult Seatbelts: Standard car seatbelts are designed for adults and are not effective for children, as they are not calibrated for a child's smaller frame and weight distribution. Holding a child on one's lap during travel is also unsafe in case of a collision.

Addressing Public Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite the upcoming enforcement, many drivers and citizens have concerns, particularly regarding the practicality of installing these devices, especially for taxi and ride-sharing drivers.

• Ride-Sharing Drivers' Concerns: Drivers like those in ride-sharing services express concerns about the space occupied by child seats, questioning where other passengers would sit if two seats are installed. They acknowledge the safety benefits but highlight the logistical challenges.
• Storage Issues: Some drivers mention the difficulty of storing child seats when not in use, as car trunks can be small.
• Misunderstanding of Requirements: A common misconception is that people are required to buy specific car seats by January next year. In reality, there are multiple types of safety devices available.
• Fines for Non-Compliance: From next year, car drivers can be fined between 800,000 and 1,000,000 VND for allowing children under 10 or under 1.35 meters to sit in the front passenger seat or for not using appropriate safety devices for children.

Clarification on Safety Device Options

The Traffic Police Department clarifies that drivers can use child harnesses, child seats, or booster seats that are suitable for the child's condition, the family's circumstances, and the vehicle. All these devices serve the purpose of preventing injuries in case of an accident.

International Best Practices

• United States: Regulations are state-specific, based on recommendations from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Stages of use are based on age, weight, and height. Infants and toddlers (up to 4 years) use rear-facing seats, older children use forward-facing seats, and booster seats with the adult seatbelt are used for children over 1.45 meters.
• Australia: Children must use seats appropriate for their age group and physical condition. All states and territories mandate rear-facing seats for infants up to 15 months, five-point harness seats for toddlers from 15 months to 4 years, and booster seats for children aged 4 to 7 years. Parents are advised to choose safety measures based on a child's physical development rather than just age. Australia has also established a network of certified child seat inspection and installation centers to ensure correct fitting.

Implementation and Future Steps

• Importance of Education: The regulation is a significant step towards prioritizing child safety. Proper understanding and clear guidance are crucial for its successful implementation and public acceptance.
• Proactive Communication: The authorities plan to intensify communication and guidance efforts, particularly in December, to ensure the public understands the importance and is ready to comply by January 1, 2026.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The cost of safety devices is significantly lower than the expenses associated with treating injuries or the irreparable losses from accidents.
• Building a Traffic Culture: Adhering to these regulations from an early stage and choosing appropriate safety devices contribute to building a responsible traffic culture.

Conclusion

The new law mandating safety devices for children in cars is a critical measure to protect vulnerable road users. While there are practical concerns, especially for professional drivers, the law offers various suitable options. Effective implementation will rely on clear communication, comprehensive guidance, and a collective effort to prioritize child safety on the roads. The experience of other countries demonstrates the significant positive impact of such regulations.