VIENTIANE, April 9 (Xinhua) -- In an effort to strengthen road safety during the Lao New Year 2026, Lao officials plan to deploy additional traffic police officers and enforce stricter road safety measures to ensure the celebrations are peaceful and safe, while reducing the loss of life and property caused by traffic accidents.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Khamsone Sidavong, head of the traffic police department under the Lao Ministry of Public Security, said the ministry has made comprehensive preparations to prevent and reduce road accidents. Traffic police officers will be deployed at key locations to help ensure safe and secure travel for all road users.
The measures aim to lower accident risks during the Lao New Year holiday, when travel typically increases, Lao News Agency reported on Thursday.
Officials highlighted ongoing road safety concerns, citing 6,779 accidents nationwide in 2025, resulting in 917 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries. During the 2025 Lao New Year, there were 313 traffic accidents, resulting in 521 injuries and 26 deaths, and damage to 538 vehicles, causing significant loss of life and property. ■