The financial support was provided through the Embassy’s Direct Aid Programme and will be spent on first aid training for local volunteers and purchasing critical emergency equipment.

(KPL) On 4 March 2015, the Australian Embassy in Vientiane handed over AUS$21,000 (LAK130 million) to support Vientiane’s Rescue service.  

The financial support was provided through the Embassy’s Direct Aid Programme (DAP). The funds will be spent on first aid training for local volunteers and purchasing critical emergency equipment.

Vientiane Rescue started with 7 volunteers, but it has grown to over 70. It operates on a 24/7 basis, with five ambulances and two offices, which allows them to reach most accidents quickly. The team is extremely dedicated as evidenced by the fact that they give up their free time to help others and save lives.  ]

Last month in Vientiane Capital, there were 152 road accidents resulting in 29 deaths, according to the Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security.

Police officers of the department said that the casualties included seven females and three foreigners.

In comparison with the same period last year, the number of road accidents declined by three but the number of fatalities increased by five.

Xaythany district ranked first recording the greatest number of road accidents among districts in Vientiane Capital.  Forty-four road accidents were reported in Xaythany district last month.

Over two hundred people were reportedly injured in road accidents. These casualties included 99 slight injuries, 98 severe injuries, and 34 people listed in critical condition.  Most of the victims were construction workers and students between the ages of 20-30.

Some 123 vehicles sustained minor damage; 159 were moderately damaged; and seven were badly damaged, according to a report by the department.

Authorities estimate that damage caused by road accidents in February was more than 2.5 billion kip (almost $310,000).

Because of the increasing number of road accident fatalities in Vientiane Capital, police officials are seeking ways to solve the problem and instituting traffic regulations as a way to ensure that everyone drives safely.

Road safety campaigns are an important way to encourage everyone to understand the dangers of road accidents, which can cause both loss of property and life, a police officer said.

The traffic police are aiming to reduce the accident rate by giving lectures in schools, villages, offices and organizations, and putting up posters along roadsides.

The Police Department also plans to provide information to the media so that they can increase awareness about the regulations and inform people about the frequency of accidents in the country.

He said that police are considering using short plays about road safety and are planning to ask injured road accident victims to speak about the risks involved in dangerous driving.

KPL