The Chinese Ministry of Communications has issued an emergency circular to China's local transportation sectors in view of the recent rise in the number of road accidents in the country.
According to the ministry, since June, there have been six serious road accidents in China, each claiming more than 10 lives. A total of 97 people have died in the six accidents, with 51 more injured.
The rainy weather and flood season may be one of the reasons for the June increase, said the ministry.
The eagerness of drivers to get back on the road in the wake of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and their neglect of safe driving measures have also contributed to the increase, said the ministry.
The ministry requires all local transportation sectors to take emergency measures to reduce accidents, strengthen traffic and highway patrolling and post more signs warning of hazardous conditions in a timely manner.
(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2003)
