BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police have warned the public of potential major traffic risks ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which falls between June 16 and 18 this year.

The increasing number of people making excursions, rising number of trips made by those who have just taken their college and high school entrance exams, and large-scale temple fairs and dragon boat races pose threats to road safety, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement Tuesday.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup and forecasted rain overlapping the travel peak are also likely to have a negative impact, such as potential rises in drink or fatigued driving.

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the year according to the Chinese calendar. It falls on June 18 this year. Traditions on the holiday include racing dragon boats and eating Zongzi, glutinous rice and fillings wrapped with bamboo or reed leaves.