The Vientiane Traffic Police Department recently arrested a man in connection with a hit-and-run accident involving a motorbike in Khounta village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane.
The department reported that early last Monday morning a Range Rover SUV was involved in a fatal collision with a motorbike along Souphanouvong Avenue in Khounta village. The motorbike passenger sustained critical injuries but the SUV driver failed to remain at the scene of the accident.
However, witnesses recorded the SUV’s make and number plate and the police arrested the driver soon afterwards.
Meanwhile, the motorbike passenger, Ms Phetsavanh, 17, a student from Nonsavang village, Sikhottabong district, remains in the ICU at a Vientiane hospital.
On the same day in Nongbuek village, Sikhottabong district, a motorcyclist was killed instantly after colliding with a car but the car drove off.
On October 16, a Vigo pickup also sped off after colliding with a motorbike in Nahae village, Sikhottabong district, leaving the motorcyclist with critical injuries.
Police are still trying to trace the hit-and-run drivers and are hopeful of making arrests.
Hit-and-run accidents are continuing to occur around the country with Vientiane recording most of the incidents. According to the Vientiane Traffic Police Department, from January to September, some 23 reported hit-and-run cases occurred in the capital and authorities have made nine arrests.
Police said many of these accidents take place in rural areas at night when drivers think they can escape unseen. The main causes of the accidents are high speed driving and intoxication.
Under Article 87 of the Criminal Law, anyone who is involved in a traffic accident and flees the scene is subject to a prison sentence of six months to two years and a fine ranging from 200,000 kip to 1 million kip. The hit-and-run driver will also have to pay for all damages.
According to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, over the eight months from January to August 2016 there were 3,746 accidents recorded nationwide involving 714 fatalities. Some 5,935 people were injured and 6,883 vehicles damaged.
Motorbikes were involved in 95 percent of the accidents, with 90 percent of those dying in accidents being male.
Source: Vientiane Times
