VIENTIANE, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and 34 others sustained injuries during 23 road accidents that occurred in Lao capital Vientiane over the New Year, with most incidents caused by drunk driving and speeding.
Statistics from the capital Vientiane Traffic Police Department revealed that from Monday to Wednesday, the 23 road accidents resulted in damage to 48 vehicles. Most of the accidents were caused by speeding, driving in the wrong lane, changing direction without observing other vehicles, and drunk driving.
Last New Year, Vientiane capital reported 28 crashes resulting in the deaths of six people while 47 others were injured.
Local daily Vientiane Times on Friday quoted Director of the Vientiane Traffic Police Department under the Lao Ministry of Public Security, Phengsavanh Thammaboun, said that there were fewer road accidents and fatalities in 2019.
"The number of road accidents was down this year. Police set up more observation posts and checkpoints to catch drunk and speeding drivers," he said.
Some 225 police officers were on duty at 10 police posts to check drivers' level of sobriety and curb speeding from Christmas Day until New Year's Day.
