The revision of the Road Traffic Law that goes into effect from June 1 incorporates a number of new traffic rules. Most of them are designed to help prevent injuries.
Traffic deaths have been declining in recent years. The number of deaths within 24 hours after traffic accidents dropped from 6,871 in 2005 to 6,352 in 2006 and 5,744 in 2007. In 2006, one person died every one hour and 23 minutes. In 2007, one person died every hour and 32 minutes. The number of deaths within 30 days after traffic accidents dropped from 7,931 in 2005 to 7,272 in 2006 and 6,639 in 2007.
But the annual number of people injured in traffic deaths accidents has topped 1 million for nine straight years, including 1,156,633 in 2005, 1,098,199 in 2006 and 1,034,514 in 2007. To help reduce the number of injuries, the revised law will require drivers to have their rear-seat passengers wear seat belts (in addition to front-seat passengers). Drivers who are caught failing to follow this rule on expressways will receive one penalty point against their license.