Traffic accidents claimed 39 lives across Vietnam on Thursday alone, the fourth day of the Lunar New Year (Tet in Vietnamese), according to the National Traffic Safety Committee.

A total of 52 crashes happened in the country that day, killing 39 people and injuring 48 others, the committee said, citing a report by traffic police.

The number of deceased victims was higher than that of the previous day, which was 37.

Of the 52 crashes, one was a railway accident, killing one person, while the rest primarily occurred on the streets, the committee added.

Traffic police nationwide on Thursday dealt with 1,949 traffic violations, imposing financial penalties worth VND762.5 million (US$34,182), temporarily confiscating 57 automobiles and 250 motorcycles, and suspending 274 driver’s licenses.

Vietnam’s waterway police also caught 153 cases of traffic offenses and fined lawbreakers over VND12.5 million ($560.3).

The number of travelers in the country is expected to increase during the final days of the Lunar New Year holiday, as many people flock to pagodas and temples to seek good luck for themselves and their families while others return to big cities to continue their work, according to the committee.

Traffic police have been asked to tighten security to ensure traffic safety and prevent congestion on roads leading to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi during these days.

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year officially began on February 8 but festive preparations had started one week beforehand and the celebratory atmosphere will linger for another week after that date.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!