A traffic accident in Laos (Photo: Radio the Voice of Laos)

Vientiane - A total of 35 people were killed in road accidents across Laos during the country’s traditional New Year (Bunpimay) holidays from April 11-17, according to the Traffic Police Department under the Lao Ministry of Public Security.

Deputy head of the department Khamleck Xayasith told a press conference on April 19 that 611 people were also injured and 589 vehicles damaged in 342 traffic accidents. The number of accidents represented a year-on-year rise of 10%.

Khamleck said the main causes of the road accidents were drunk-driving, speeding and sudden direction changes.

The traditional New Year is the most important festival in the Lao calendar. People enjoyed celebration activities across the Southeast Asian country this year after events were canceled or downsized for three years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the traffic police department has unveiled plans to improve road traffic safety during the holidays. Traffic police have been on duty nationwide to monitor and prevent traffic rule violations