The survey, which began on March 10, aims to assess the traffic safety situation on roads with steep terrain such as National Highways 6, 4E, 4D, and 12.

Nguyen Chien Thang, Director General of the Vietnam Register, noted that the survey is conducted per instructions from Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha regarding the urgent review and development of standards and regulations for these buses.

The interdisciplinary task force departed from Hanoi and conducted field surveys over four days in the provinces of Phu Tho, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Lao Cai.

After completing the survey, the delegation will compile the results, organize professional workshops and prepare an evaluation report to propose management solutions to ensure the safety of double-decker sleeper buses.

Colonel Pham Quang Huy, deputy director of the Traffic Police Department, said the survey aims to assess factors affecting traffic safety on northwestern mountain roads, including transport infrastructure, traffic signage systems, vehicle flow, traffic organization, and accident black spots and areas with potential risks.

“The survey results will serve as a basis for authorities to improve legal regulations while addressing shortcomings in traffic organization and infrastructure,” Huy said.

The survey team will review infrastructure conditions along the surveyed routes, including curve radius, longitudinal gradient, road width, stopping sight distance, bridge width, locations of traffic signs and road markings, turning points, stopping areas and locations where accidents frequently occur.

Authorities will also assess transport management, including permitted vehicle types, operational routes, itineraries and service frequency, in order to propose the operating scope and conditions for double-decker sleeper buses.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Register will collect data to help develop technical standards and regulations for double-decker sleeper buses operating on steep mountainous routes, while the Traffic Police Department will study solutions to ensure traffic order and safety and prevent accidents.

Nguyen Thanh Hoai, deputy director of the Vietnam Road Administration, said double-decker sleeper buses are widely chosen by passengers. Therefore, regulatory frameworks must prioritize passenger safety while still meeting people’s travel demand.

The working group will directly conduct test runs of double-decker sleeper buses on national highways 6, 4E, 4D and 12, while also working with local authorities and road management units to collect data on road geometry, transport infrastructure, traffic organization and the operational capacity of these vehicles.

Dinh Hieu