GUANGZHOU, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Helicopters and drones are lending a helping hand in easing transportation pressure during China's annual travel rush.

To help guarantee smooth journeys, transportation authorities have begun using drones and helicopters to patrol expressways in the cities of Guangzhou, Zhaoqing and Shaoguan in southern China's Guangdong Province.

The vehicles can track traffic accidents quickly and help assist rescue workers to avoid traffic jams, according to transportation police in Guangdong.

Authorities estimated that about 3 billion trips will be made during this year's 40-day "chunyun," or Spring Festival travel rush from Jan. 10 to Feb. 18, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.