Traffic accidents, sometimes a perverse indicator of economic activity, were up 6.4% during the first half of this year

Traffic accidents, sometimes a perverse indicator of economic activity, were up 6.4% during the first half of this year, to 73,145, reports the National Police. In another indicator of irrational economic exuberance, reckless driving is up, reports Motor Transport Insurance Bureau of Ukraine. The increases were: speeding +20%; dangerous maneuvers +22%; and drunk driving + 35%. Reflecting a surge of no-visa Ukrainian road tripping to the EU, the use of European road accident record forms was up 28%.