Day One of Thai New Year’s Seven Dangerous Day’s, 508Accidents, 58 Deaths, 517 Injuries

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CHIANG MAI – The Directing Center for Road Accident Prevention and Reduction has reported Chiang Mai Province has had the highest number of accidents on the first day, followed by Surat Thani with 23 accidents causing 23 injuries. However, the highest number of deaths among all provinces is in Buriram. Six people were killed in car accidents

The Center has revealed there have already been 508 accidents, causing 58 deaths and 517 injuries on the first day of the seven dangerous days.The major cause of road accidents is still drunk driving with 36.61% of all accidents being drink related, followed by high-speed driving accidents accounting for 23.82%.

82.41% of the accidents involved motorcyclists and 58.86% happened on highways.

The daily summary of the accident situation for 30th December 2014 was reported at a press conference by Mr. Arkom Termpittayapaisith, Deputy Minister of Transport.

He said that the government has emphasized all measures to facilitate road users and ensure the least loss of life and property during the holidays.

The main measure is to provide sufficient facilities for people who travel in their personal cars, or by land and air public transport vehicles.

To assist road users in their personal cars, local authorities in each area are united in accident control. Earlier they promoted through the media, alternative directions for those who wish to bypass main roads.

In terms of public safety measures, there are service provider stations along the main roads throughout Thailand. The stations are available 24-hours a day for holiday makers to report accidents or ask for help. This is in addition to the service available at the 1784 call centers and all other channels provided over the holidays.