TEHRAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of deaths caused by car accidents in Iran has increased by 0.4 percent in the 10 months ending Jan. 20 compared to the same period last year, local media reported on Sunday.

During the period, 13,874 people lost their lives, 78.4 percent of whom were men and the rest were women, Financial Tribune daily said.

The figures are a warning sign as Nowruz (Iranian New Year) approaches. During the 13-day holidays, many go on trips by car and death statistics soar.

Official figures show more than 20,000 people die and two million others are wounded in traffic accidents per year in Iran. Inexperienced drivers, inefficient cars and risky roads are blamed for causing the casualties.