The largest number of traffic accidents this year occurred on Sundays, while the accidents involving pedestrians represent over 35% of the total number. The information was presented in a meeting of specialists of the Traffic Police Division and representatives of civil society on August 17, Info-Prim Neo reports. Traffic Police Division head Sergiu Armasu said 195 persons were killed in the almost 1,500 serious accidents. Most of the accidents in which pedestrians were hurt happened in the municipality of Chisinau (57.3% of the total), Orhei (3.1%), Cahul (2.7%), Balti and Hancesti (2.5%). The drivers were to blame in 82% of the cases. The number of accidents in which children were injured fell by 7.9% compared with the first seven months of last year. Fifteen children died and over 300 were hurt in the 290 accidents recorded. The representatives of civil society attending the meeting said the pedestrians should be severely penalized for jaywalking. They recommended carrying out more activities promoting the culture of drivers and of the pedestrians. Elena Burca, head of the Forum of Women’s Organizations, said the fines should be higher than the present ones of 100-400 lei and the police should be more active at night when many persons drive under the influence and at high speed. Andrei Bostan, president of the Auto Drivers Union, said a mandatory road safety course should be included in schools. According to statistical data, 30.8% of the accidents happen as a result of speeding that is not appropriate to visibility, 15.5% as result of exceeding the legal speed limit, 13.7% as a result of changing the maneuvering direction, 9.1% as a result of not giving way to pedestrians at crosswalks, while 7.4% as a result of DUI.