Two traffic policemen die while trying to stop a motorbike race in Danang City on April 2. Photo by nld
The information was revealed by vice chairman of the city People's Committee, Ngo Minh Chau at a meeting held on April 17.
According to the official, most of the accidents relate to over-speeding.
"Since more people have chosen to stay indoors, the streets have become quiet and more people are speeding," he said. "And more illegal motorbike races have also been reported."
Ho Chi Minh City is among 16 localities that reported a rise in the number of traffic accidents in the first quarter of 2020 according to a report from the government.
"The country saw an improvement in traffic situation in the first quarter with the numbers of traffic accidents, deaths and injuries all decreasing by 13.9%, 18.2%, and 18.2%, respectively compared to last year's numbers," the report said.
However, 16 provinces and cities reported a rise in these numbers. And eight saw the death toll increase by over 20% including Ho Chi Minh City, Ninh Thuan, Cao Bang, Ben Tre, An Giang, Phu Yen, Bac Kan, and Bac Lieu.
"In March, Ho Chi Minh City saw an increase of 33% in the number of traffic accidents, and 46% in death toll against the number of the same period of 2019," the report said.
The government has asked the National Committee on Traffic Safety and traffic departments of all localities to have measures to curb the problems in the second quarter.
