Thailand’s Road Death Toll Jumps to 236 and 2,005 Injured in 6 days of Songkran

(CTN News) – According to the Interior Ministry, there were 2,008 traffic accidents over the first six days of Songkran festival travel, an increase from last year’s more restrained celebrations and with more casualties, but road deaths are down.

The majority of traffic accidents (39.16%) can be attributed to speeding, while nearly a quarter (23.95%) can be attributed to drunk driving, as reported by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The majority (78.39%) of accidents involved motorcycles, 42.21 % occurred on Highways Department main routes, and 29.66 % occurred on local roads. Straight roads accounted for 81.37 percent of all accidents.

Most accidents occurred in Kanchanaburi (13) on Sunday, but the deadliest day was Chumphon. (15). Most people were killed in Bangkok. (5).

The police checked out 322,570 vehicles and issued 48,067 citations, with 14,177 being for driving without a license. The number of motorcyclists who were checked and found to be unprotected by helmets was 13,127.

Between the hours of 12 and 1, the majority of accidents occurred. People aged 20-29 made up 9.87% of the total fatalities and injuries.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand’s Road Death Toll Jumps to 158 on the 4th Day of Songkran

On Friday, the fourth day of the Songkran holiday’s “7 Dangerous Days,” 44 people were killed and 368 were injured in traffic accidents across Thailand, bringing the Songkran death toll to 158. The number of deaths in the first four days of the holiday is down from 172 in the same period last year by 14.

According to data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s road safety center, 1,433 individuals were injured in 1,422 traffic incidents between April 11 and 14. This compares to 1,188 injuries in 1,207 accidents during the same period last year when fewer travels were undertaken due to Covid-19 limits.

According to Chotnarin Kerdsom, deputy permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry, speeding was the leading cause of accidents (35.6%), followed by drunk driving (28.5%). The Bangkok Post reports Motorcycles were responsible for 83.1% of all accidents.

Nan had the most accidents (16) and injuries (16) on Friday alone. Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan, and Phitsanulok each reported three fatalities.

Officials stationed at 1,862 road checkpoints halted 351,228 vehicles for inspection. A total of 52,422 motorists were ticketed for breaking traffic laws. 15,467 offenders did not have a driver’s license, and 15,144 did not wear crash helmets.

Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nan have reported the most traffic accidents, with 45 each. Nakhon Si Thammarat also had the most injuries, at 48. According to Mr. Chotnarin, Bangkok had the most deaths (12).

Thailand’s 7 Dangerous Days of Songkran

Songkran has historically been associated with many road traffic accidents and deaths in Thailand. The Thai government has implemented various measures to promote road safety during the Songkran festival, including increased law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and road safety measures such as setting up checkpoints and promoting helmets and seat belts.

However, despite these efforts, accidents and fatalities have continued to occur during Songkran due to factors such as drink-driving, speeding, lack of seat belt or helmet use, and other risky behaviors associated with the festival. Increased traffic volumes, festive atmosphere, and alcohol consumption during Songkran can pose significant road safety risks.

It’s important to note that road safety data can change over time, and the most up-to-date information on Songkran-related accidents and deaths in Thailand can be obtained from reliable sources such as the Thai government or other relevant authorities. Individuals must prioritize road safety during the festival season and avoid engaging in dangerous behaviors such as drink-driving or risky driving practices.

 

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