China launches campaign against reckless driving

BEIJING -- A road safety campaign to promote safer driving has been launched, China's Ministry of Public Security said Friday.

During the campaign on Thursday, police around the country caught 14,280 drivers for speeding and 760 motorists for carrying too many people and gave subsequent punishment. Police also punished 13,782 cases relating to overloading and 2,196 drivers for tiredness while driving, the ministry said.

The ministry urged police departments to strengthen patrols along sections of roads where accidents often occur.

The focus of the campaign will be on passenger vehicles, tourist buses, heavy trucks and transport vehicles carrying highly toxic chemicals, it said.

The ministry also told motorists to drive safely to protect themselves and others.

The campaign comes after a series of fatal accidents. The latest one happened on Monday in Guangshan County of central China's Henan Province killing 11 people. A minibus driver broke traffic rules and collided with a large truck.