Over 436 deaths reported over the new year danger period
Over the ten-day new year danger period, over 436 road fatalities were reported, primarily due to speeding, with Bangkok recording the highest death toll. In contrast, three provinces noted zero deaths, reflecting varying regional impacts of road safety measures.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) held a press conference led by Interior Deputy Minister Songsak Thongsri, outlining the results of the road safety campaign during the new year celebrations.
The campaign, under the banner Safe Driving, Thailand Free of Accidents, compiled data indicating 139 accidents, resulting in 128 injuries and 29 fatalities on the last day alone.
A significant factor contributing to these accidents was speeding, accounting for 34.53% of incidents. Other critical causes included cutting off other vehicles suddenly, at 24.46%, and poor visibility, which contributed to 20.86% of accidents.
Motorbikes were notably involved in 82.67% of accidents, highlighting a persistent risk for two-wheeler riders.
Prachinburi witnessed the highest number of accidents, totalling eight, while Pattani, Phang Nga, and Phatthalung each reported six injuries. Prachinburi also recorded the highest fatalities, with three deaths.
Reflecting on the campaign’s ten-day period from December 27 to January 5, Songsak revealed a total of 2,467 accidents, with 2,376 injuries and 436 deaths.
Surat Thani experienced the most accidents, with 89 incidents, and the highest number of injuries, with 100 cases. Bangkok registered the most fatalities, with 26 deaths. Notably, Trat, Yala, and Samut Songkhram reported no fatalities, demonstrating effective local road safety measures.
Songsak acknowledged a decrease in accidents and injuries compared to previous new year periods, although fatalities increased. This trend prompted the Road Safety Operations Centre to mandate continuous preventive measures by relevant agencies, focusing on year-round accident risk reduction.
Emphasis was placed on a collaborative approach, integrating efforts across all sectors beyond festive periods like new year and Songkran.
The strategy involves strict legal enforcement targeting high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, and foreigners, to curb risky driving behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, and failure to wear seat belts or helmets.
Additionally, unsafe practices like sudden lane changes and driving against traffic flow are being addressed, reported KhaoSod.
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