A total of 179 people lost their lives in traffic accidents throughout Vietnam during the six festive days of the Lunar New Year (Tet).

According the National Committee for Traffic Safety, 231 traffic crashes occurred in the Southeast Asian country from February 14 to 19, killing 179 victims and injuring 186 others.

The numbers of crashes and casualties were especially high between February 15 and 18, the traffic safety committee added.

The 2018 Lunar New Year started on February 16 but preparation and celebration often take place during the week before and after the date.

On Monday, or the fourth day of Tet, 24 people were killed and 37 others wounded in a total of 35 traffic accidents.

Traffic police officers dealt with 1,665 violations within the day, issuing fines worth a combined VND310 million (US$13,660), impounding 422 vehicles, and revoking 101 driver's licenses.

Most accidents arose from such traffic violations as driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and lack of safety helmets, the committee said, adding that crashes mainly occurred in the countryside and suburban areas.

Reports of traffic situations and overcharging were also made by local residents via the hotlines of the National Committee for Traffic Safety.

As the official Lunar New Year holiday came to an end on Monday, several routes leading to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were congested due to a large number of commuters.

The traffic jams started in the afternoon and lingered until the evening.

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