China reports safer Lunar New Year holiday

BEIJING - No traffic accidents involving more than 10 deaths were reported nationwide during the seven-day Lunar New Year holiday, which started on Feb 7, said the Ministry of Public Security on Sunday.

Preliminary statistics show that some 1.56 million traffic violations, among which 4,751 were drunk driving, were handled by traffic police during the holiday. Traffic accidents and deaths were down more than 30 percent compared with that of last year, said the ministry in a statement.

Police faced high pressure to maintain traffic safety during the holiday as more Chinese people now drive. More than 140,000 police officers and 40,000 police cars were deployed daily during the holiday.

In addition, festive celebrations at major cities and scenic spots were held in a safe and orderly manner, with no serious fires, firework explosions or stampedes reported.