Ensuring traffic safety in front of school gates

Upon the arrival of the 2025–2026 academic year, traffic order and safety in front of school gates has once again become a focus of concern. These areas are potential hotspots for congestion and accidents during peak hours. Authorities in Dong Nai province have been implementing a wide range of measures to restore order, ensure safety for students, and preserve the urban landscape.

Functional forces regulate vehicles in front of Ngo Quyen High School, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: Dang Tung

Repeated local congestion

In the central urban areas of Dong Nai, traffic pressure is a constant challenge, particularly during times of drop-offs and pick-ups. Major intersections such as Trang Dai T-junction, San Mau Bridge, and Tan Phong Crossroads often witness heavy traffic at the start and end of both morning and afternoon sessions. The main causes are the increasing vehicle density and some narrow roadways as well as limited drop-off and pick-up zones for parents and school buses.

In early September 2025, the provincial Department of Construction requested subordinate units to coordinate with local authorities and schools to organise traffic lane separation, ensure safety, and prevent congestion at school gates, especially during the back-to-school period.

The provincial Traffic Safety Committee noted that not only major intersections but many schools in different wards are also facing significant pressure from congestion at their entrances. Although some schools have arranged parking areas, many parents’ habitual practice of stopping vehicles on the roadway to drop off or pick up students has slowed down traffic flow considerably. Tran Hung Dao Secondary School, Trinh Hoai Duc Primary School, Nguyen Du Primary School (Tran Bien ward), and Bui Thi Xuan Primary-Secondary-High School (Tam Hiep ward) are among the locations frequently experiencing congestion.

Another challenge is that in some densely populated wards, some streets have two or three schools opposite or next to each other, such as Yet Kieu Street (Long Binh ward), Bui Huu Nghia Street (Bien Hoa ward), and Nguyen Van To Street (Long Hung ward). During peak times, thousands of students and parents gather simultaneously, leaving little space for traffic movement. Adding to the strain is the significant number of heavy trucks running on these roads.

Nguyen Hoai Thu, a resident of Long Binh ward, noted that the traffic habits of some students and parents also result in congestion and safety risks. For example, many parents still stop in the middle of the roads to wait for their children. Meanwhile, some secondary and high school students use electric motorbikes and bicycles without mastering safe driving skills or fully understanding traffic regulations. If not corrected, these habitual practices could make traffic in front of schools increasingly complex.

“Most importantly, it is the awareness of parents and students. By simply following basic rules, such as wearing helmets when using electric motorbikes, avoiding stopping in the middle of the roads, and crossing the streets at designated lanes, traffic in front of schools will become far more orderly and safe. A safe, civilised traffic environment not only allows students to focus on learning and reassures parents but also contributes to building a modern and friendly image of Dong Nai,”

Nguyen Cong Hoang, a resident of Long Hung ward.

Determined to restore urban order

In reality, traffic around schools requires more comprehensive and determined solutions, involving infrastructure, traffic management, and community awareness. In preparation for the 2025–2026 school year, Dong Nai provincial People’s Committee issued a peak plan on ensuring traffic safety, with a focus on school areas. This serves as a basis for departments and localities to coordinate efforts towards reducing congestion, restoring urban order, and ensuring the students’ safety.

Do Huy Khanh, Party Secretary and Chairman of the People’s Council of Phuoc An commune, Dong Nai province, stated that local functional forces will increase their presence on key roads, intersections, and in front of school gates during peak hours. In addition to handling violation cases, traffic police will focus on giving guidance and separating traffic lanes, helping parents and students move more smoothly and safely.

The Department of Construction has also raised requirements for school bus service providers. Accordingly, transport contracts must clearly specify routes, safety standards, vehicle hygiene, and accompanying supervisors. This solution not only reassures parents but also helps reduce the number of private vehicles at the school gates. At the same time, the construction and transport sectors are encouraging parents and students to prioritise public buses for safe, economical, and environmentally friendly travel.

By: Dang Tung

Translated by: My Le - Thu Ha