Road accidents killed 49,528 people from January to June this year, 2.4 percent higher than the same period in 2003, according to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

In the first half of 2004, a total of 254,682 road accidents were recorded, down from 330,675 last year. The number of people injured also dropped, from 239,450 in the first half of 2003 to 211,572. Property damage resulting from accidents amounted to 1.3 billion yuan (US$15.8 million).

The MPS said that there were 34 major accidents resulting in more than 10 fatalities, leaving a total of 488 people dead and 590 injured. This figure is up by 11 cases, or 47 percent, from the first half of 2003.

Some 87 percent of the accidents, or 221,632, resulted from violations of the law such as speeding, reckless or drunk driving or driving while fatigued.

The most dangerous time to be on the road is from 2:00 PM. to 9:00 PM. More than 40 percent of all traffic accidents took place between those hours.
 
(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2004)