OFFICIALS MAKE ROAD SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY DURING SONGKRAN, SPOTLIGHT ON HELMETLESS MOTORCYCLISTS

As Songkran approaches, officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan province have made road safety a top priority.

The annual Thai New Year holiday, known for its water fights and celebration, also brings with it increased traffic and a higher risk of accidents on the roads.

To ensure the safety of all motorists and pedestrians during this festive time, officials have met to discuss measures to address risk and danger points on the main and secondary roads in the province.

One of the main strategies being implemented is the use of community checkpoints to enforce traffic discipline and reduce the risk of accidents.

These checkpoints will be staffed by officers from various agencies alongside law enforcement officials to monitor and regulate the flow of traffic. The checkpoints will also help to ensure that motorists are adhering to road safety regulations, such as wearing helmets and following speed limits.

Provincial governor Sathien Charoenruen has told the heads of government departments and representatives of relevant agencies to set targets, indicators, measures, and guidelines for the integration of road accident prevention and reduction during the Songkran festival.

Mr Sathien said that all relevant agencies must continuously promote and publicize safe driving practices in order to reduce the main causes and risky behaviors that lead to accidents and fatalities, such as not exceeding the speed limit, not drinking and driving, wearing helmets or fastening seat belts while driving, and advocating for reduced accidents in crossing areas.

In addition to the use of checkpoints, officials are also looking to improve the infrastructure of the roads themselves.

Mr Sathien added that besides the main roads, secondary roads that pose risks and dangers must also be given importance, while improvements to ensure safety for traffic on roads intersecting with railway lines.

This includes cutting back overgrown grass and shrubs, which can obstruct drivers’ views, and installing barriers to prevent accidents at railway crossings. These measures will help to create a safer and more efficient road network, reducing the risk of accidents during Songkran and beyond.

Furthermore, law enforcement officials are stepping up their efforts to crack down on dangerous driving behavior.

Motorists who fail to wear helmets or engage in reckless driving will face stiff fines and penalties.

Police will also be conducting increased roadside sobriety tests to prevent drunk driving, which is a leading cause of accidents during the holiday season.

During Songkran last year (between April 11-17, 2022) Prachuap Khiri Khan reported a total of 27 accidents, 27 injuries, and 3 deaths throughout the province.

The number of accidents, injuries and deaths was much lower than the targets outlined by provincial officials before the start of Songkran.

Previously officials had set targets of no more than 47 accidents, 48 injuries and 4 deaths on the province’s roads during the week long Songkran festival, dubbed ‘seven dangerous days’ by Thai media.

Speeding drivers were the cause of almost half of all road traffic accidents throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan during the Songkran festival.