The number of traffic accidents in the first half of 2015 fell 12.85 percent year on year to roughly 11,180 cases, killing almost 4,480 people and injuring nearly 10,150 others, down 4.5 percent and 17.24 percent, respectively.

The figures were announced at a video conference on July 2 to review the performance of the National Committee on Road Safety (NCRS) during the period, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and head of the committee Nguyen Xuan Phuc

Statistics by the NCRS revealed that road accidents accounted for 98.5 percent of the cases, causing 96.8 percent of deaths and 99.6 percent of injuries.

As many as 38 cities and provinces saw drop in accidental deaths, eight of which recording an over 20-percent contraction, including Tay Ninh, Bac Lieu, Dong Nai, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh and notably Cao Bang where fatalities plummeted 50 percent.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc lauded the joint effort of the ministries of Transport and Public Security and the NCRS to ensure road safety.

However, he pointed out that lack of advanced technology has limited the effectiveness of traffic monitoring, violation handling as well as database sharing between involved agencies.

The state official urged localities to keep up with the national target towards a 5-10 percent decline of traffic deaths this year and requested the Ministry of Transport revise its regulations for tightened control on transport trading and loads while ensuring road quality.

He also proposed the Ministry of Public Security keep a close watch on highways and strictly handle traffic violations, especially during public holidays.

VNA