Traffic Injuries Climb To Six-month High

PHUKET: Traffic-related injuries and deaths rose to their highest level in six months during the most recent reporting period, the Phuket Provincial Health Department has advised. In its report to the Phuket Governor, the agency said 849 patients were admitted to government hospitals from September 20 through October 19, including 780 with motorbike-related injuries. A total of 18 people died in traffic accidents during the period, including 16 motorbike drivers and passengers. From December 20, 1997 through October 19, 1998, a total of 8,574 traffic-related injuries were recorded in the province. Of the total, 7,919 were motorbike drivers or passengers, 462 were riding in cars or trucks, and 193 were pedestrians. During the ten-month period, a total of 169 traffic deaths were recorded, of which 145 were motorbike-related.