Hanoi, Vietnam – Vietnam’s National Assembly has enacted significant changes to the country’s road safety laws to enhance the protection of children traveling by car. The revised regulations, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various global partners, mandate that children under 10 years old or shorter than 135 cm must use child restraint systems and sit in the back seat of vehicles.
This legislative push addresses the urgent need to boost the safety of young passengers in light of Vietnam’s burgeoning road traffic, which is marked by a steep increase in the number of motor vehicles. It aligns with broader efforts to safeguard children, who are among the most vulnerable road users.
Globally, traffic-related incidents remain the leading cause of death among children and young adults aged 5 to 29 years. According to safety experts, using child safety seats can lower the risk of fatality in crashes by up to 71% for infants. Furthermore, positioning children in the back seat can reduce injury risks by 26%, even if a child restraint is not used.
Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, emphasized the critical nature of these reforms. “The rapid rise in motor vehicles on Vietnam’s roads necessitates heightened measures to secure the lives of our young ones while traveling. These legislative updates not only prioritize child safety but also underscore the viability of safe mobility without compromising the lives of the young,” she stated.
The revisions are part of Vietnam’s National Strategy on Road Traffic Order and Safety for 2020–2030, aiming to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 5-10% annually. They also contribute to achieving the United Nations’ goals set in the Global Plan for the Decade of Action on Road Safety 2021–2030, which targets a 50% reduction in global road traffic deaths and injuries by the end of the decade.
As the amendments are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, WHO is set to support the development of guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of these new provisions. The involvement of key partners such as the AIP Foundation, the Centre for Health Consultation and Community Development, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, the Global Road Safety Partnership, and the Hanoi University of Public Health has been instrumental in this initiative. Their collaboration, funded by the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety, has ensured that the revised laws are grounded in evidence and best practices.
The immediate and enthusiastic support from various sectors underscores a collective commitment to transforming Vietnam’s roads into safer spaces for its youngest citizens. As these laws come into force in the coming years, the hope is that these measures will not only save lives but also serve as a model for road safety reforms globally, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding children in an increasingly mobile world.