200 people killed by Yangon traffic this year

More than 200 people have been killed in traffic accidents in Yangon Region in the first half of 2017, police records obtained by Eleven show.

There have also been 982 accidents and 1,100 people injured during this period.

The deadliest month was April, during which the Thingyan water festival falls. That month saw 197 accidents, 44 deaths, and 243 injuries.

Police say most of the accidents were caused reckless drivers, including those who speed.

Myanmar’s National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Council announced that it would crack down harder on speeding starting in August. The council kicked off an education period on June 9, which will continue until July 31. Drivers who exceed speed limits will be prosecuted starting on August 1.

In downtown areas, the speed limit is 48 kilometers per hour for cars and 32 kilometers per hour for cargo vehicles. On highways, the speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour for cars and 56 kilometers per hour for cargo vehicles.

Last year, Yangon region had 2,700 traffic accidents, which killed 623 people and injured 3,480.