Health
Once Again Thai Authorities Launch Helmet Campaign
A common site- five family members on a motorcycle- only the driver has a helmet
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BANGKOK – The Ministry of Public Health will enforce stricter traffic regulations throughout the year in an attempt to curb road fatalities.
The Ministry of Public Health and relevant agencies will launch a campaign to urge motorcycle drivers to wear the helmets. Violators will be sentenced to community service at at a hospital. Instead of paying fines, they will be asked to care for patients with brain damage.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn is hoping they will realize the importance of safety regulations. Dr. Piyasakol revealed that each year, 24,000 people die from road accidents in Thailand. 70% of road fatalities were motorcycle drivers who did not wear helmets.
Many of those who survived became permanently disabled. This year, at least 140,000 people were injured and more than 2,200 were killed in road accidents from January 1 to March 11.
According to last Saturday’s statistics, nearly 30% of injuries and deaths nationwide were caused by motorcycle accidents. Nearly all of those treated for brain damage were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
