There were 78 traffic accidents in eight towns throughout Laos during the recent three-day New Year celebrations, resulting in 148 injuries and 7 deaths, with the capital city experiencing the most accidents and more than the previous year.
Officials say the rise in accident rates was caused in part by motorcycle racing by youth gangs, prompting crackdown by police who have detained a number of youths involved in the race.
Listen to our Laos Today report for details.