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A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) and Statista report has placed Thailand among the top countries for road accident fatalities, recording a staggering death rate of 25.4 per 100,000 people annually. This drastically surpasses the global average and places Thailand alongside nations like Guinea, Libya, and Kenya in terms of road traffic mortality.
With nearly 18,000 deaths yearly—an average of 50 daily—Thailand's roads pose significant danger. Over 80% of these fatalities involve motorcycles, with issues like not wearing helmets, speeding, and driving under the influence highlighted as key factors.
In response to these alarming statistics, the Thai government has initiated a national road safety campaign coinciding with the Songkran festival period, from April 11 to 18. Led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, this initiative mobilises volunteers and sets up nationwide checkpoints to curb road fatalities during the high-travel holiday season.
Drunk driving, a notable contributor to road deaths in Thailand, tends to spike during holidays. The Department of Probation reported over 1,258 drink-driving cases on April 11 and 12, underscoring the need for stringent measures. Efforts include over 1,037 new probation cases with 94.70% linked to drink-driving on the latter day.
The government aims to leverage these safety measures to mitigate the typical spike in accidents during Songkran, emphasising that participation in festivities should not come at the cost of road safety. These efforts will be crucial in addressing the critical state of road safety in Thailand and reducing the toll on both lives and the economy, reported The Thaiger.
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