VIENTIANE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Lao authorities are intensifying efforts to improve road infrastructure and reduce traffic accidents across Laos.
Key initiatives include improving road geometry, installing traffic lights and warning systems, expanding lighting, constructing roundabouts, median barriers, and parking areas, as well as enhancing road markings, guardrails, convex mirrors, and CCTV monitoring. Upgrades are underway on major transport links, along with improvements on several provincial roads.
To strengthen road safety standards, vehicle inspection systems are being modernized with automated technology. Currently, 22 inspection centers operate nationwide, while stricter enforcement measures are being implemented to ensure compliance with technical safety requirements, according to a Lao News Agency report on Tuesday.
These measures are part of Laos' National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to cut road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 50 percent by 2030. Officials said the strategy provides clear policy directions to enhance transport safety, promote orderly road use, and safeguard public health and social welfare.
Rapid socio-economic growth and increased vehicle ownership have placed greater demand on the country's road network, with enforcement of traffic regulations not always keeping pace. Authorities are expanding investment in road safety programs and strengthening coordination with domestic and international partners.
Despite a slight decline from 2024, traffic accidents in 2025 caused 917 deaths, over 10,000 injuries, and damaged more than 12,000 vehicles nationwide. Lao capital Vientiane recorded the highest number of accidents and fatalities, followed by Champasak and Vientiane provinces in 2025. Drunk driving, speeding, and reckless behavior remain the leading causes. ■
