Death toll for New Year’s traffic accidents rises to 12

SANTIAGO. -  Twelve people have died during the first couple of days of 2009 as a result of traffic accidents.  The figure is 15% higher than the one reported on the same dates last year.

The Capitan of Transit and Highways, José Luis Ojeda, explained that the majority of the vehicular accidents have taken place in rural areas.

The captain indicated that the situation continues to evolve, since four days are needed to perform a more exact analysis.  “But the indications, for the moment, look grim”.

Meanwhile, the total number of fatal traffic accident victims in 2009 reached 1,800 people.  The figure indicates an increase of 155 victims when compared to 2007, with the main cause of death attributed to carelessness on the part of pedestrians.