362 traffic accidents occurred nationwide over the first week of November, killing 154 people and injuring 226 others, the Road and Railway Traffic Police Department reported.

On average, 51 accidents happened a day, taking life of 22 people and injuring 32 others.

Compared to the last week of October, the number of accidents in November 1-7 soared by 44, the death toll rose by 15, and the average number of accidents per day increased by seven with three more deaths per day. During the week, traffic police nationwide handled more than 70,800 violations of traffic rules, detaining 196 cars and neatly 9,000 motorbikes. Police also detained three violators and seized from them one K59 gun, on K54 gun, 10 bullets, and 23 kilograms of firecrackers.

In related news, a requiem for the peace of the souls of traffic accident victims will be held at Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province on November 16, with the attendance of about 15,000 people.

This will be the second time that such a requiem is organized in Vietnam, in response to World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Accidents, which falls on the third Sunday of November every year.

This day is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury.

The event is also aimed at enhancing awareness of the public in complying with traffic laws and thereby reducing traffic accidents.