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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 the 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 centre, 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 the most 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. A total of 15,467 offenders did not have a driver’s licence, and 15,144 did not wear crash helmets.
Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nan have so far 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 a high number of 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 the use of 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. The combination of 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. It’s crucial for individuals to prioritize road safety during the festival season and avoid engaging in dangerous behaviors such as drink-driving or risky driving practices.
Road Deaths in Thailand
Thailand has a high rate of road deaths, and it has been a persistent issue for many years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018, Thailand had an estimated road traffic mortality rate of 32.7 deaths per 100,000 population in 2016, which was one of the highest in the world. The report also estimated that Thailand had a total of 22,491 road traffic deaths in 2016.
The Thai government has taken various measures to improve road safety, including implementing stricter traffic laws, increasing enforcement, and promoting road safety education and awareness campaigns. However, road traffic accidents continue to be a significant public health challenge in Thailand, with factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper traffic management, and risky driving behaviors contributing to the high number of road deaths.
It’s important to note that road safety data can change over time, and the most up-to-date information on road deaths in Thailand can be obtained from reliable sources such as the Thai government or international organizations such as the WHO.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious issue in Thailand, contributing to a significant number of road traffic accidents and fatalities. According to data available up to my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, drunk driving has been a major factor in road accidents in Thailand.
The Thai government has implemented various measures to combat drunk driving, including strict laws and regulations, increased enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Thailand is 0.05%, and drivers found to be above this limit can face penalties such as fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
Additionally, the Thai government has implemented campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving and the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Despite these efforts, drunk driving remains a significant challenge in Thailand. Factors such as cultural attitudes towards alcohol, lack of awareness, and inadequate enforcement of existing laws contribute to the persistence of this problem.
It is important for individuals to refrain from driving after consuming alcohol and for the government and relevant stakeholders to continue their efforts to prevent and address drunk driving through a multi-faceted approach that includes education, enforcement, and policy measures.
