The aftermath of a collision, likely caused by reckless driving.

Nationwide traffic accidents claim 782 lives in 11 months
 
A total of 782 people lost their lives in road accidents around the country during the first 11 months of this year, highlighting the continued seriousness of road safety challenges.
From January to November 2025, authorities recorded 5,740 traffic accidents, in which 10,229 vehicles were damaged and 8,873 people were injured.
Traffic police are highlighting the gravity of the situation in the run-up to the 2026 New Year festivities, noting that over the 2025 New Year period last year 170 accidents were reported, in which 17 people died.
Police say the main causes of accidents remain unchanged, with recurring risky behaviours such as speeding, failure to yield the right of way, and drunk driving continuing to account for the majority of crashes.
To help cut the accident rate, the Traffic Police Department has deployed additional personnel on main roads and at four high-risk locations, including the Sikeut expressway, Road No. 10, and Road No. 13 South in Thaphabath district.
Figures recorded from January to November 2024 show that 994 road accidents occurred in Vientiane, in which 1,994 vehicles were damaged.
Those accidents resulted in 113 deaths and injured 1,120 people, of whom 326 sustained minor injuries, 544 were seriously injured, and 250 suffered life-threatening conditions.
In response, police across the country have been instructed to step up law enforcement, especially over the upcoming 2026 New Year period.
As part of preventive measures, inspections have been intensified on main roads and at accident-prone locations. Motorists are being urged to avoid drinking and driving, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, wear a helmet at all times when riding a motorbike, and strictly comply with all traffic regulations.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update December 31, 2025)