Road death toll still falling

PHUKET: A dramatic transformation in Phuket’s road toll statistics appears to be taking place with just three deaths reported on the island in the period between September 1 and September 25. Since Phuket recorded an alarming total of 26 motorcycle-crash deaths between April 20 and May 20, the monthly tally has fallen to 15 deaths, then nine deaths and now to a new low of three fatalities. In the comparable period last year, 17 people died in motorcycle accidents. The encouraging figures come on the eve of a new campaign that will involve police booking all people who travel on motorcycles without helmets, whether riders or paseengers. Pol Capt Sompong Songsaeng, of Phuket Town Police Station, said today, “More bikers and drivers have become aware of their safety. There are also more police working on the road to enforce the rules.” The three deaths – one in Thalang and two in Phuket Town – take the total number of fatalities for the year to 134, four less than over the same period last year. Of this year’s deaths, only four occurred in cars. The statistics come from Wachira, Thalang and Patong government hospitals.