BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police have warned the public of major traffic safety risks ahead of Tomb-sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year.

The large number of people visiting cemeteries or traveling via road pose threats to road safety, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement.

Forecasted rain in southern China overlapping the travel peak is also likely to have a negative impact on road safety, the ministry noted.

Tomb-sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday when people pay tribute to deceased family and friends.