Motorcycle deaths halved

PHUKET: Nine people died in traffic accidents between December 20 and January 20, according to the latest statistics from the Wachira, Thalang and Patong government hospitals. The figures show a sharp decline in road deaths over previous years. In 1999-2000 and again in 2000-2001, 18 were killed in accidents during the same December-January period. In all three years, all of those killed were riding motorcycles, said Ampaipan Pawawattananusorn of the Phuket Provincial Health Office. In contrast, however, road injury rates remain high. In the same period this year, 1,198 were hurt in crashes involving motorbikes, and a further 50 people were injured in car accidents.