Phuket launches road safety campaign to curb tourist accidents

Phuket provincial police have initiated a new road safety campaign targeting the root causes of traffic accidents involving tourists. This effort, in collaboration with local partners, aims to reduce the high number of road incidents in the area.

The campaign was officially launched yesterday, July 18, at the Phuket Merlin Hotel by Region 8 Police Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum.

The event saw the participation of ambassadors, honorary consuls, and car rental operators, all focused on addressing this pressing issue and proposing viable solutions. A comprehensive project and workshop form the core of the initiative, aiming to tackle the root causes of road accidents and raise awareness among foreign tourists using motorcycles, explained Suraphong.

Suraphong cited the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Situation Report on Road Safety from 2015, which states that 1.25 million people die from road accidents worldwide each year. Thailand has the highest number of road accidents among ASEAN nations, with a rate of 36.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

Surapong sees the root cause of many road accidents to be self-inflicted, resulting in direct, and indirect losses to many.

“These accidents result in both direct and indirect losses, such as loss of income, physical disability, and vehicle repair costs.

Self-inflicted

“The National Statistical Office reports that the main causes of accidents are driver-related, such as careless driving, speeding, and driving while intoxicated. Understanding the true causes of accidents can help prevent or reduce traffic incidents.”

In Phuket Province, the death rates from road accidents between 2019 and 2023 were 44.02, 32.83, 21.82, 32.84, and 40.93 per 100,000 population, respectively. A significant factor contributing to these accidents is the lack of awareness and regulation among foreign tourists renting vehicles.

Many tourists are left unaware of local traffic rules due to the absence of clear guidance from rental operators, Suraphong noted.

The newly launched project aims to rectify this by compiling data from rental operators and educating tourists. The initiative includes creating a big data repository to effectively analyse and address traffic accident problems. Surapong noted the concerning increase in accidents among tourists, who often rent motorcycles as a means of transport.

“The statistics show an increase in accidents involving tourists using motorcycles in Phuket. To address this, we have partnered with Pakfang network and received funding from the Fund for Road Safety to tackle the problem immediately.”

During the event, Suraphong distributed educational materials to commanders of all 11 police stations in Phuket. The materials stress the importance of having a valid driver’s license, adhering to a speed limit of 40km/h, abstaining from alcohol consumption, wearing helmets, and ensuring insurance and vehicle registration are in place.

Community effort

Surapong extended his thanks to car rental operators who have joined the project, in a wider effort to enhance road safety in Phuket.

“We are grateful to the car rental operators who have joined the project. Together, we aim to reduce accidents. The police are here to provide guidance and advice. This initiative will not only reduce loss of life and property but also enhance Phuket’s image as a tourist destination and promote sustainable tourism.”