Traffic accidents during the holiday season has increased by 39 in 2012 from 35 in 2011.Palembang (ANTARA News) - South Sumatra`s traffic police said on Thursday that around 64 cases of Lebaran-related traffic accidents have been reported in the region this year, and have claimed 39 lives so far.
"The traffic accident rate of South Sumatra during the Lebaran holiday season this year, has nearly doubled from the 33 cases and 26 deaths reported in 2011," South Sumatra traffic police spokesman Adjunct Senior Commissioner Suroyo said.
He added that data collected from Ketupat Operation 2012 also indicates that the number of fatalities resulting from traffic accidents during the holiday season has increased by 39 in 2012 from 35 in 2011.
However, the former Pagaralam district police chief added that the number of injured victims this year has slipped to 38 from 40 in the last year.
Suroyo noted that various efforts have been made to reduce the accident rate in South Sumatra, which includes spreading awareness among motorists about safety and discipline while driving.
He also pointed out that traffic accidents mostly take place because of the driver`s recklessness and blatant disregard for traffic signs and regulations.
"Traffic accidents can only be reduced if drivers are more careful and obey traffic signs and regulations," Suroyo stated.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
