Social network - “Bridge” for traffic safety in the digital age

Traffic safety awareness propaganda through social media platforms has emerged as an effective, fast, and far-reaching approach of public engagement in today’s context. In recent times, authorities in Dong Nai have increasingly utilized this powerful communication channel to spread the message, raise public awareness, and call for action in alignment with the 2025 Traffic Safety Year theme: “Safe Journey, Shaping the Future.”

In addition to using social media for expanded outreach, functional branches still attach much importance to face-to-face communication on traffic safety. Photo: Dang Tung

Fast outreach, wide accessibility

Lately, in a  bid to renew propaganda on traffic safety and order in the digital age, traffic police units nationwide have innovated dissemination content and methods, most notably by creating dedicated social media pages to enhance public interaction and disseminate legal education.

According to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, between July 17 and August 3 alone, the hotline of Major General Do Thanh Binh, Director of the Department, received 224 reports of general traffic violations in various localities, 281 reports on specific violation behaviors, and 47 reports on traffic organization-related inadequacies, and 15 information pieces about traffic accidents. Most of the reports were sent directly via social media accounts.

In Dong Nai, during the first half of 2025, the provincial Traffic Police Division conducted a systematic and proactive media campaign across digital platforms. On its official Facebook page, specifically, the division published 487 information pieces and articles along with 58 videos, effectively spreading messages in a visual and engaging manner. Its Zalo platform saw 114 information pieces and articles shared with wide community reach. Meanwhile, the provincial police website was updated regularly with 181 articles, focusing on new legal provisions in traffic laws.

The Traffic Police Division leadership noted that using mass media and social networks significantly enhances communication outcomes. This method enables fast, multidimensional communication with a high degree of public engagement. The content goes beyond legal dissemination, but also incorporating real-life images, simulated scenario videos, violation-related statistics, and positive examples in handling and supporting people.

In parallel, the unit continues to innovate traditional methods. Over the past six months, they organized 444 in-person traffic safety propaganda sessions, drawing over 40,800 attendees. These were accompanied by leaflet distribution and scenario-based simulations.

The Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security emphasized that all reports, once verified and processed, are published on the Department’s official website, Facebook page, and other channels for public monitoring. Reports of violations are thoroughly investigated and acted upon if verified. Reports concerning traffic organization issues are verified, with corrective measures taken and recommendations made to review the responsibilities of relevant individuals and organizations.

For saferty on all roads

The shift to digital platforms in traffic safety advocacy has yielded tangible benefits and spurred optimism. Notably, it enables wide and diverse audience engagement, high interactivity, rapid outreach, and diverse and memorable content.

Furthermore, the speed and accessibility of social media have empowered citizens to report violations via images and videos, creating a widespread community monitoring network. This has enabled law enforcement to act swiftly and raised public responsibility in fostering a safer traffic environment.

For instance, in April 2025, Dong Nai’s Traffic Police processed several violation cases based on footage provided by the public. On April 6, officers fined driver V.N.H.T. for operating a pickup truck in the wrong direction on Ho Thi Huong Street (Long Khanh ward). Similarly, on April 3, truck driver H.M.D. was cited for the same offense on National Highway 1 (Dau Giay commune).

Nguyen Tien Dat, a resident of Tran Bien ward shared: "I believe digital outreach will lead to significant breakthroughs in traffic awareness. By analyzing the root causes of accidents, the campaign can focus on specific violations. This helps people better understand the consequences of unsafe behavior and encourages real behavioral change."

Colonel Tran Anh Son, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Police commented: "Social media campaigns can enhance public awareness and foster greater compliance, gradually reshaping traffic culture. This approach contributes not only to reducing accidents but also to easing congestion at major bottlenecks."

In mid-July 2025, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Trong Thuy, Head of the provincial Traffic Police Division, announced a hotline number integrated with Zalo, Viber, and Facebook to receive feedback, suggestions, and concerns related to traffic safety. This initiative has effectively expanded the force’s reach and capacity to respond to traffic issues promptly and efficiently.

Dong Nai’s integration of social media into traffic safety-related efforts is not a passing trend, but a strategic move tailored for the digital era. By blending modern and traditional approaches, the province is establishing an effective traffic control solution, contributing to ensuring safety on every road.

By Dang Tung

Translated by Minh Hanh – Thu Ha