3,253 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WITH 31 FATALITIES

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 24 /SRNA/ - Since the beginning of the year, 3,253 traffic accidents have occurred in Republika Srpska ending with 31 fatalities, seven more than in the same period last year, the Srpska Ministry of Interior /MOI/ told SRNA.

According to the MOI’s data, from the beginning of the year to April 2, 212 more traffic accidents occurred than in the same period last year. The traffic accidents resulted in 139 people seriously injured, which is 11.5 percent less than last year, and 725 people lightly injured, which is 8.8 percent less. The cause for 468 traffic accidents was inappropriate and improper speeding. Failure to keep the distance between the vehicles caused 428 traffic accidents, driving backwards 413, and the right of way 335 accidents. The MOI states that in order to maintain and improve the situation in the traffic safety, police officers carry out planned and continuous activities with the aim of reducing traffic accidents and the consequences of traffic accidents. "In the January-March of the current year period, police officers of the Ministry of Interior of Srpska issued 4,790 roadside license suspensions, 82 percent of which were due to driving under the influence /DUI/," the Ministry of Interior added. The Ministry of Interior of Srpska, in cooperation with the Republika Srpska Automobile Association, conducts preventive activities aimed at raising residents' awareness of traffic regulations and the need for responsible behaviour in traffic.