Three Die, 20 Injured In Road Accidents During Lockdown

Source: Vientiane Times

Traffic accidents that occurred during the recent 15 days of lockdown in Vientiane resulted in three fatalities and injury to 20 people.

Despite city authorities limiting travel within the capital from October 1-15, numerous vehicles took to the streets.

Director of the Vientiane Traffic Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Vilaphong Saneha, said that during the 15-day period 17 traffic accidents were recorded.

Of the 20 people who were injured, five were slightly injured, 11 were moderately injured, and four were seriously injured. The damage incurred was estimated at more than 300 million kip.

The accidents occurred between the hours of 2pm and 11pm. Police said they were caused by drivers not obeying the traffic rules, especially by changing lanes suddenly, overtaking, driving at high speed, and not maintaining a safe distance between other vehicles.

The most common accident blackspots are Road No. 10 (Thangon), Road 13 and 13 South, Kamphaengmeuang, Souphanouvong and other main thoroughfares.

Traffic police urge drivers and all road users to obey the rules of the road in order to minimise the number of accidents.

The public is also urged to comply with Order No. 15 issued by the Prime Minister and Notification No. 37 issued by the Mayor of Vientiane on travel restrictions put in place to stop the spread of Covid-19. Restrictions apply from October 16-30.

Vientiane traffic police and security officials will continue to carry out patrols and monitor shops and businesses for unlawful activities, as well as check that people are not gathering in groups, which is banned under the Order.