The "seven dangerous days" of the Songkran festival in Thailand, which ran from April 11 to April 17, 2025, saw a total of 1,538 road accidents nationwide. These accidents resulted in 253 fatalities and 1,495 injuries.
Here's a breakdown of the statistics:
* Total Accidents: 1,538
* Fatalities: 253
* Injuries: 1,495
Key Findings:
* Decrease Compared to Last Year: There was a significant decrease in road accidents (24.8%), injuries (27.43%), and fatalities (11.85%) compared to the same period in 2024.
* Most Involved Vehicles: Motorcycles were involved in the highest percentage of accidents (84.11%).
* Leading Causes: The primary causes of accidents were speeding, cutting in front of other vehicles, and drunk driving.
* Road Types: Most accidents occurred on straight roads (89.80%), followed by highways (44.22%), village roads (29.25%), and city streets (14.29%).
* Peak Accident Time: The most dangerous time for accidents was between 6:01 PM and 9:00 PM (18.37%).
* Provinces with Highest Accidents: Phatthalung recorded the highest number of accidents (63), followed by Lampang (52) and Narathiwat (49).
* Province with Highest Fatalities: Bangkok reported the highest number of deaths (19).
* Provinces with Zero Fatalities: Six provinces reported no road deaths: Nakhon Nayok, Phichit, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, and Sing Buri.
* Age Group of Victims: A significant number of fatalities were individuals aged between 20 and 29 years old, with 64.67% being male.
Road Safety Campaigns:
During the Songkran period, various road safety campaigns were implemented to reduce accidents. These included:
* Increased police presence and checkpoints nationwide.
* Public awareness campaigns emphasizing safe driving practices, such as "don't speed – wear a helmet" and "don't drink and drive."
* Focus on high-risk behaviors like speeding and not wearing safety gear.
* Analysis of accident-prone areas to improve road safety measures.
* Deployment of public health volunteers for first aid and emergency response.
While the statistics show a decrease in accidents and fatalities compared to the previous year, the number of road incidents remains a significant concern, highlighting the ongoing need for sustained efforts in road safety education, strict law enforcement,
and public awareness.