Statistics show the number of traffic accidents rose by 1,854 cases, up 14.97%; deaths declined by 717, down 10.36%; and injuries went up by 2,720, up 32.95% year on year.

Road accidents took the lead, with 14,125 documented cases, killing 6,126 people and injuring 10,953 people.

There were 84 railway accidents, killing 60 people and injuring 18 people; whilst 30 cases were on waterway, claiming 17 lives and injuring five people.

July alone saw 1,889 traffic accidents occur nationwide, causing 860 deaths and 1,424 injuries, up 190 accidents, down 82 deaths, and up 294 injuries compared to the same month last year.

In an effort to reduce the number of traffic accidents, the Government is stepping up its communication campaign on the obedience of traffic laws, with hefty fines being imposed on drink driving.

The police are also getting tough on other offences related to speed limits, luggage overload, traffic light negligence, and driving documents.

VOV