Traffic police officers manned checkpoints throughout the night, hastily signing over 2,800 drunk driving violation reports.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, while New Year's feasts were still in full swing, thousands of drivers had to reluctantly sign violation notices with significant fines. The nationwide crackdown on drunk driving yielded shocking results.

The atmosphere of the 2026 Lunar New Year is pervading every street, from cities to rural areas. But along with the joy of reunions and the hustle and bustle of New Year's gatherings, there is an alarming reality regarding traffic safety that the public cannot ignore. While most people are enjoying moments of rest with their families, traffic police forces nationwide have had an extremely stressful day. The latest report from the Traffic Police Department on the road safety situation on the second day of Tet has truly shocked everyone by setting a "sad record" for the number of drunk driving violations.

In just 24 short hours, a large-scale "sweep" took place on every road, from major national highways to inter-provincial routes. The results were shocking: over 2,800 cases of drivers violating alcohol limits were detected and severely punished. This number is not simply a matter of dry administrative penalties; it also reflects a hard-to-break habit, a dangerously complacent attitude of many people during the Lunar New Year holiday. "Enjoy yourself, but don't overdo it" seems to remain a luxury reminder for those who still hold the mindset that "the Lunar New Year only comes once a year," giving themselves the right to drink excessively and then carelessly get behind the wheel.

Notably, the traffic accident situation on the second day of the Lunar New Year also presented extremely bleak images, serving as a costly wake-up call for anyone still intending to drive after drinking. According to authorities, 33 accidents occurred nationwide, claiming the lives of 22 people and injuring 14 others. Viewers are heartbroken to learn that behind each fatality lies a family whose New Year's celebration was ruined, filled with heart-wrenching cries instead of joyful laughter. Public opinion raises the question: Is a few celebratory drinks worth sacrificing one's life and future, as well as that of those around them?

On key routes, especially National Highway 1A, the atmosphere of traffic control has never cooled down. Law enforcement officers have been on constant duty, working tirelessly amidst the cold of winter nights or the hustle and bustle of spring travelers. On this route alone, over 600 violations of various types have been detected, with drunk driving accounting for an overwhelming proportion. The image of traffic police officers persistently requesting breathalyzer tests amidst the busy traffic has become a symbol of the Ministry of Public Security's determination to restore traffic order with a "no-go zone, no exceptions" approach.

Besides drunk driving, which has been the focus of outrage, other violations are also being dealt with equally strictly. Hundreds of cases of speeding and using mobile phones while driving have been recorded and recorded on the spot. This shows the immense pressure faced by law enforcement, who must both regulate traffic for convenient travel and deal with individuals who lack awareness and disregard minimum safety regulations. Public opinion highly appreciates this decisive action, because without overnight checkpoints, the number of casualties would likely have been far more catastrophic.

Under posts sharing the figure of 2,800 traffic violation tickets, the online community generated a lively debate with diverse perspectives. The majority expressed absolute agreement with the heavy penalties, with some even suggesting permanent license revocation for repeat drunk driving offenders during Tet (Lunar New Year). "Losing a few million, or even tens of millions of dong in fines, is still luckier than losing your life," one insightful comment, which received thousands of interactions, stated. However, another group pondered how to change the deeply ingrained culture of "forcing people to drink" at parties. Clearly, penalties only address the symptoms; the root cause lies in the awareness and resolute refusal of drivers themselves.

Tet (Lunar New Year) is for family reunions and enjoying the fruits of a year of hard work, not for witnessing unnecessary losses. The telling statistics from the Traffic Police Department on the second day of Tet serve as the strongest warning to all citizens. Don't let your family's joy be extinguished by your own carelessness. Remember, behind the wheel is not only your life, but also the happiness of your loved ones waiting for you at home. A truly complete Spring Festival is only possible when everyone can return home safely after every celebration.