VietNamNet Bridge – Close to 80 people were killed and 214 others were injured in 182 traffic accidents nationwide in the first three days of the Lunar New Year, the latest report of the National Traffic Safety Committee has revealed.

A crash between two motorbikes in HCM City.

According to the report, there were 180 road accidents, killing 78 people and injuring 214 others. The total number of deaths was lower from the same period last year, although the number of people injured increased by 130.

The report showed that there were two railway accidents, with two fatalities.

The highest number of accidents and fatalities was reported on February 1, with 66 accidents killing 17 people and injuring 95.

The traffic police have fined nearly 6,500 cases of violations, with the total value of the fines hitting VND2.7 billion (US$126,900). More than 2,200 vehicles have also been seized. February 1 also witnessed the highest number of violations -- 1,300 cases -- leading to a total value of VND518 million ($24,350) in fines and the seizure of nearly 1,000 vehicles.

The traffic police, together with the local authorities, will be on duty to crack down on overloaded trucks, buses and boats carrying an excessive number of passengers to the main centres where the festivities are taking place.

Source: VNS