In the nine months leading up to October there were 18,697 traffic accidents throughout the country resulting in 6,758 deaths and 17,835 serious injuries, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC).

The total number of accidents, fatalities, and injuries were down from the 2013 levels.

Ten provinces and cities enjoyed declines in all three criteria, including Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Lang Son, Ninh Thuan, Hau Giang, Binh Thuan, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Dien Bien and Ha Tinh.

Some 9 localities registered an increase of fatalities (up 25% against last year’s same period), consisting of Bac Lieu, Yen Bai, Tra Vinh, Lai Chau, Dong Nai, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Kien Giang and Ca Mau.

Minister of Transport and NTSC Vice President Dinh La Thang said with the imposition of tougher measures, the number of traffic accidents during the Lunar New Year and holidays were reduced.

He urged relevant agencies to continue to raise public awareness of traffic safety and improve infrastructure to prevent traffic accidents.