Myanmar sees 63 deaths in highway crashes so far this year

YANGON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A total of 63 people have been killed with 492 people injured in car crashes on Yangon-Mandalay highway so far this year, official media reported Tuesday.

Reckless driving, poor visibility due to bad weather, road damage, stalled vehicles and other reasons caused a total of 276 car accidents on the busiest highway so far this year.

Aiming to enhance better traffic safety along the highway, Myanmar has increased the number of road safety police, opening 16 police stations along the road since 2012.

Repairing of the damaged parts of the highway is underway by the authorities.

There were 744 accidents with 170 deaths and 1,304 injuries in 2016, while 453 crashes with 124 deaths and 1,033 injuries in 2015.