440 die in traffic accidents

DENPASAR, Bali: A total 440 people died in traffic accidents last year, Antara reported Tuesday.

The news agency quoted Bali traffic police chief Col. Gde Putu Brata saying that 1996 was a sad year because of the high rate of fatalities in traffic accidents. However, he did not give 1995 figures for comparison.

"Last year has been a sad year. All because of motorists' negligence," Brata said.

He called on the public to help the police campaign to reduce traffic accidents by obeying traffic signs. (swe)