Road Safety Campaign Reports Grim Toll Over New Year Period
During the first four days of Thailand’s New Year road safety campaign, known as the “10 Dangerous Days,” 175 deaths and 1,109 injuries were reported from 1,134 traffic collisions. These figures reflect the persistent road safety challenges in the country.2021
The World Health Organization’s ranked Thailand among countries with the highest road traffic deaths, recording 18,218 fatalities that year—an average of 50 deaths per day.
Between December 27 and 29, the primary causes of accidents were:
- Speeding: 39.95%
- Sudden lane changes: 20.11%
- Drunk driving: 19.49%
Motorcycles were involved in 84.31% of the collisions, underscoring the heightened risks for two-wheeler riders.
Additionally, the Department of Probation recorded 3,795 traffic-related offenses in the campaign’s initial days, comprising:
- 3,661 cases of drunk driving (96.47%)
- 130 cases of drug driving (3.43%)
- 4 cases of reckless driving (0.10%)
Recommendations for Improved Road Safety
- Strengthen Enforcement:
Stricter law enforcement against speeding, drunk driving, and reckless behaviors is essential. Increasing roadside checkpoints and using breathalyzer tests can deter violations. - Improve Motorcycle Safety:
With motorcycles involved in most collisions, initiatives such as mandatory helmet usage, rider education programs, and promoting safer vehicle designs can reduce risks. - Public Awareness Campaigns:
Sustained awareness efforts highlighting the dangers of speeding, drunk driving, and other risky behaviors should be intensified, especially during holiday periods. - Enhanced Infrastructure:
Investing in safer road designs, better lighting, and clearer signage can mitigate risks, particularly in high-traffic and accident-prone areas. - Community Involvement:
Local communities can play a role by organizing grassroots campaigns and reporting dangerous behaviors to authorities, fostering a culture of accountability and shared responsibility.
These measures, if implemented effectively, could help reduce the alarming rate of road accidents and save countless lives, not only during holiday campaigns but throughout the year.
