public Health and Road Safety - Why Thailand must adopt the “Safe System”

[kwilco]

 

 Road safety is one of the highest-ranking public health issues in the world today. In Thailand it is always in the top ten causes of death. In some groups it is the main cause of death and injury.

 

Thailand’s attitude to road safety is archaic and fundamentally flawed.

Throughout the country, provinces, cities and organisations launch road safety campaigns – Phuket, Songkhran police etc etc….they are complete failures, why?

 

The authorities and public’s attitude shows a total lack of awareness of the principles of road safety and the methodologies involved.

No significant change is possible until the authorities get up to speed (pun?) on road safety science – they MUST adopt the Safe System

 

What is the Safe System?

The Safe System which was developed in Sweden from the 1950s onwards. It is a holistic approach to road safety that aims to minimize the number of deaths and serious injuries on the road. It recognizes that humans make mistakes, and that the road transport system should be designed to protect all road users even if they make errors.

 

The Safe System approach focuses on making a forgiving road environment that is designed to reduce the severity of crashes, limit the risk of crashes occurring, and reduce the consequences of crashes when they do occur. The system is based on 4 fundamental principles:

 

Safe roads: Roads are designed to minimize the risk of crashes occurring and reduce their severity. This includes measures such as ensuring adequate lane widths, clear road markings, and adequate lighting.

 

Safe speeds: Speeds are managed to reduce the risk and severity of crashes. This includes measures such as setting appropriate speed limits, using speed cameras, and designing roads with features that encourage drivers to slow down.

 

Safe vehicles: Vehicles are designed to reduce the risk of crashes and to minimize the consequences when crashes occur. This includes measures such as improving vehicle crashworthiness, fitting vehicles with advanced safety technologies, and conducting regular vehicle inspections.

 

Safe people: Road users are educated and encouraged to behave safely. This includes measures such as driver training, education campaigns, and the enforcement of traffic laws.

 

By implementing the Safe System approach, it has been shown that the number of deaths and serious injuries on the road can be significantly reduced, making roads safer for everyone.

 

Implementation takes 5 main principles – the “5 Es”

Engineering – vehicles and roads

Education – schools, tests, public information, life-long learning

Enforcement – Trained police, court system and practical legislation and penalties

Emergency – First responders and universal emergency response and hospital departments.

Evaluation – Examination, measurement, calibration of crash scenes and internationally recognised compilation of statistics.

 

Thailand fails to deliver on every aspect of this.

 

 

As said the Safe System is a holistic approach and addressing single issues has little or no effect as can be seen in Thailand over the past 30 years.

 

The roots of the Safe System approach to road safety can be traced back to Sweden in the 1950s and 1960s

To judge the efficacy of the system, all one needs to do is look at countries that have adopted the system in one form or another. - These countries have seen significant improvements in road safety as a result. Here are a few examples:

 

Sweden: The Safe System first recognised in Sweden in the 1990s. Has been a central component of the country's road safety strategy ever since. Sweden has greatly reduced road fatalities. There is now a goal of achieving zero deaths by 2050.

The Netherlands: - also a leader in adopting the Safe System. The country’s  measures include building cycle paths, reducing speed limits in urban areas, and various traffic calming measures.

New Zealand: 2010, one of the first countries outside Europe to adopt the Safe System approach. The country has made significant progress in reducing road fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Australia: The Safe System approach has also been adopted in Australia, with the country's National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 focusing on the Safe System approach as a key strategy for improving road safety. The State legislatures have adopted this at different rates and Australia still has a way to go.

France: in the 1970s France’s road death rate was the same as Thailand’s (32.7 per 100k pop) today – now it is 3.9 per 100k

 

NB - United States: The System approach has not been adopted at a federal level in the United States, but several states and cities have implemented elements of the approach. E.G.-   New York city has implemented a "Vision Zero" initiative that is based on the Safe System principles. However the U.S. remains way behind European countries in terms of crash and death rates.

 

These are just a few examples of the countries that have adopted the Safe System approach to road safety.

Top of Form

 

Why doesn’t Thailand do anything???

It would appear that the Thai authorities, the Thai public  and also expats, are totally ignorant of road safety science policy and lack knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and practices related to road safety. This means that they are aware of the risks and hazards associated with driving and the driving environment, and don’t know what are appropriate measures to take to minimize those risks.

 

Expats in particular may not know the basic rules of the road, including traffic signals, signs, and markings as well as general driving codes and manners and the more nuanced aspects of road use in Thailand. They tend to believe everyone should drive as they did in their home country.

They may also be unaware of the basic safety measures e.g. importance of wearing or when to wear seatbelts, crash helmets, safe driving speeds, and avoiding distractions. Additionally, they may underestimate the risks of themselves associated with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and at the same time, grossly over-estimate their own personal driving skills

 

With this self-perception. Expats are far more likely to engage in risky driving behaviours that could lead to accidents and injuries. They may also be less likely to advocate for or support policies and initiatives aimed at improving road safety, such as increased funding for infrastructure improvements or stricter enforcement of traffic laws. (v the cliché “nanny state” used by so many).

 

What is needed is a national sea-change in attitude to road Safety in Thailand from top down and bottom up. It is sad too that the evidence would suggest that even those who come from countries with low road death rates are still in the dark when it comes to road safety and this shows in their attitudes to driving in Thailand.

Bottom of Form

 

[stoner]

14 minutes ago, kwilco said:

They tend to believe everyone should drive as they did in their home country.

the main point of this post is that thailand should adopt standards and safety measures implemented by...........our home countries. 

 

so what you are saying is we are right ? 

[torturedsole]

Sounds a reasonable OP but not going to happen for some considerable time. Western comparisons are fine but not relatable in the slightest to Thai standards. 

 

I'm old enough to realise that I won't change the world to my exacting standards. 

[kwilco]

8 minutes ago, stoner said:

the main point of this post is that thailand should adopt standards and safety measures implemented by...........our home countries. 

 

so what you are saying is we are right ? 

Who is "we"? - are you reducing it to an "us and them" thing?

I'm saying that - and you seem to bare me out on this - that the Safe System is the way to go and most people in Thailand from those countries that use it don't know that is is the right way to bring about safer roads

[liddelljohn]

Noo I like Thai roads  ,, and lack oif stupid health and safety bureaucracy  that is strangling UK

[stoner]

17 minutes ago, kwilco said:

Who is "we"?

the countries you speak about in this thread. 

 

18 minutes ago, kwilco said:

that the Safe System is the way to go and most people in Thailand from those countries that use it don't know that is is the right way to bring about safer roads

sure they do. weather they practice this here or not is a totally different discussion. 

[Dan O]

You bring up some valid points and also mix in your overly slanted view about expat driving being a significant portion of the problem.

 

You neglect to recognize that Thai social structure for transportation does not fit in with first world nations. You have a vast majority of rural thai's that have no ability financially to afford proper transportation, hence the 3, 4, 5 or 6 people on a scooter, or that in many rural areas the young teens have access to scooters to go to school as the parents are working and then continue to use them as part of their socialization structure. Large segments of the Thai familes have children "raised" by grandparents with little to no supervision. There is completely inadequate driver training and failure of police monitoring driving habits with little to no enforcement.

 

I could go on and on but everyone already knows all this. The safe driving model works great when you have a govt that supports it physical, mentally and financially which you don't have here. It's a nice idea but fat chance on getting any of these major stumbling blocks fixed to reach a point that you could even start a program like that

[isaanistical]

OP: thanks for the lecture.

 

Do you have any credentials - any at all - to pontificate to us on road safety? Your spelling suggests US, which kind of makes it even worse, US being one of the countries with most varying and least clued-up legislation.

[kwilco]

13 minutes ago, Dan O said:

You bring up some valid points and also mix in your overly slanted view about expat driving being a significant portion of the problem.

 

You neglect to recognize that Thai social structure for transportation does not fit in with first world nations. You have a vast majority of rural thai's that have no ability financially to afford proper transportation, hence the 3, 4, 5 or 6 people on a scooter, or that in many rural areas the young teens have access to scooters to go to school as the parents are working and then continue to use them as part of their socialization structure. Large segments of the Thai familes have children "raised" by grandparents with little to no supervision. There is completely inadequate driver training and failure of police monitoring driving habits with little to no enforcement.

 

I could go on and on but everyone already knows all this. The safe driving model works great when you have a govt that supports it physical, mentally and financially which you don't have here. It's a nice idea but fat chance on getting any of these major stumbling blocks fixed to reach a point that you could even start a program like that

Not sure you are actually making a point……

“Thai social structure for transportation” – does that even a thing?

 

“expat driving being a significant portion of the problem.” –

No I say that expats too show little understanding of the problem. Although in places like Samui and Phuket, they are a significant part of the casualties

 

“ a vast majority of rural Thai’s” – this is not actually the main part of deaths or casualties and as said single issues don’t work.

 

“There is completely inadequate driver training” – as said the E – education is not addressed,

 

“. The safe driving model” – it’s not a safe driving model – this is an example of expats not understanding what the Safe System is – it’s a holistic approach.

 

“fat chance on getting any of these major stumbling blocks fixed’ – I’m saying that to change they must – so if we go with your assessment they won’t. As I said the authorities don’t understand raod safety science either

 

In the end Thailand is quite a wealthy country and road deaths and injuries cost about 4% of GDP – improved road safety will save them trillions of baht.

 

[timendres]

In my opinion, Thailand does not do too bad in "Safe Roads". Improvement is always possible, but their primary roads are decent. "Safe Speed", again, I believe posted speeds are reasonable in most places, although "observed" is a different matter. "Safe Equipment", definitely need improvements here. "Safe People" - this is the problem.

[kwilco]

17 minutes ago, timendres said:

In my opinion, Thailand does not do too bad in "Safe Roads". Improvement is always possible, but their primary roads are decent. "Safe Speed", again, I believe posted speeds are reasonable in most places, although "observed" is a different matter. "Safe Equipment", definitely need improvements here. "Safe People" - this is the problem.

Your assessment ofThai roads does not agree with the evidence. If they were getting it right then road deaths woulds be going down.

You cannot deny that the road death rates have not improved for 30 years. I don't think you understand the concept behind safe people. I think you are attributing the archaic interpretation to that phrase.

It is difficult to get statistics applied to "new roads"  in Thailand but their design and construction should set off warning signals in every respect - you yourself point out some problems as to enforcement of speeding but they also fail in design, marking, road surfaces, signage etc etc... 

 

[Dan O]

15 minutes ago, kwilco said:

Not sure you are actually making a point……

“Thai social structure for transportation” – does that even a thing?

 

“expat driving being a significant portion of the problem.” –

No I say that expats too show little understanding of the problem. Although in places like Samui and Phuket, they are a significant part of the casualties

 

“ a vast majority of rural Thai’s” – this is not actually the main part of deaths or casualties and as said single issues don’t work.

 

“There is completely inadequate driver training” – as said the E – education is not addressed,

 

“. The safe driving model” – it’s not a safe driving model – this is an example of expats not understanding what the Safe System is – it’s a holistic approach.

 

“fat chance on getting any of these major stumbling blocks fixed’ – I’m saying that to change they must – so if we go with your assessment they won’t. As I said the authorities don’t understand raod safety science either

 

In the end Thailand is quite a wealthy country and road deaths and injuries cost about 4% of GDP – improved road safety will save them trillions of baht.

 

I already made my comments and will stick with them. You're trying to justify a first world concept on a country that's barely developing and without govt support across the board. Thailand is far from wealthy. I would counter your new points which aren't actually accurate  but it's not worth the effort. Have a great day 

[kwilco]

PS - there is currently a major investment in road safety by the authorities - but as yet no improvement in statistics - so one has to ask why?

Racists hold back you vitriol.

[kwilco]

3 minutes ago, Dan O said:

I already made my comments and will stick with them. You're trying to justify a first world concept on a country that's barely developing and without govt support across the board. Thailand is far from wealthy. I would counter your new points which aren't actually accurate  but it's not worth the effort. Have a great day 

Road safety is a science scientific facts are not dependent on our beliefs or opinions; they are based on empirical evidence and observations. For example, the laws of gravity exist whether or not we believe in them, and the fact that the earth revolves around the sun is true regardless of our personal beliefs. - it doesn't matter where it is applied - your concepts of "first world" etc are unhelpful and misleading. 

At present the authorities are spending huge amounts on road building and road safety but as hey don't understand the science, it seems to be having little effect.

 

 

[stoner]

Just now, timendres said:

Thailand does not do too bad in "Safe Roads"

what ? hahaha .........yesterday a massive chunk of rama II fell onto the highway.....same thing happened a few months back. the construction quality of the roadways here is pathetic at best. 

 

4th worst out there.......thailand is even used in the stock photo for the article. 

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/most-dangerous-countries-to-drive/

[n00dle]

What manner of copy pasta is this? 

 

Are we really doing this now?

 

Embracing the "Safe System" - A Turning Point for Thailand's Road Safety

The Kingdom of Thailand, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, unfortunately, also holds a less prestigious title: it is consistently ranked among the nations with the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world. The Thai government has made commendable efforts to address this issue, but more needs to be done, and urgently. One promising approach is the adoption of the "Safe System," a comprehensive, internationally recognized framework for road safety.

The Safe System approach shifts the perspective on road safety. Instead of placing the onus solely on road users to avoid errors, the Safe System acknowledges that humans make mistakes and focuses on creating an environment where these errors do not lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Key components include safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and safe road use, all underpinned by effective post-crash care.

Thailand's current road safety strategies, while critical, are largely reactive, focused on enforcing traffic laws and improving post-crash response. While these measures are valuable, they are not enough. An over-reliance on law enforcement and post-crash care can be akin to treating the symptoms and not the disease. The Safe System, on the other hand, is a proactive approach, aiming to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.

Adopting the Safe System in Thailand could yield significant benefits. For example, managing speed, a key principle of the Safe System, could dramatically reduce the severity of crashes. Given that speed has been identified as a major contributing factor to road fatalities in Thailand, initiatives to establish and enforce appropriate speed limits, combined with infrastructure designed to manage speed, could save countless lives.

Moreover, the Safe System emphasizes the importance of vehicle safety standards. Thailand, a hub of automobile production, has the opportunity to lead by example, implementing and enforcing higher safety standards for vehicles produced and sold domestically. This could not only protect Thai road users but also elevate the safety of vehicles exported from Thailand.

To effectively implement the Safe System, the Thai government will need to foster a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach, involving stakeholders from various sectors, such as transportation, health, education, and law enforcement. Furthermore, success will require not only policy changes but also cultural shifts, encouraging all road users to view road safety as a shared responsibility.

While the implementation of the Safe System will undoubtedly present challenges, the potential benefits far outweigh the costs. Thailand has the opportunity to drastically reduce the number of lives lost on its roads each year and provide a safer environment for all road users.

Moreover, the adoption of the Safe System could serve as a powerful example to other countries grappling with similar issues, showcasing that a proactive, comprehensive approach to road safety can indeed save lives.

Road safety is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. Every life lost on the road is one too many. As we move forward, let us not accept these losses as inevitable, but rather, let's strive for a Thailand where every journey on the road is a safe one. The Safe System provides a pathway to that future. It's high time we take that path.

 

[connda]

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Safe people: Road users are educated and encouraged to behave safely. This includes measures such as driver training, education campaigns, and the enforcement of traffic laws.

Even the RTP do some of the crazy stuff I see all Thais do.  The average Thai has no idea how to use a freeway acceleration lane.  Instead they cut 90 degrees across 3 lanes of traffic to accelerate in the far right lane - slowly - in order to get to the next U-Turn-Of-Death that is a kilometer up the road, all the while driving at 50kph on 90kph roads in the 'fast lane.'
Then speaking of road safety - The Thai U-Turns-Of-Death.  They need to close them all if there is an underpass within 3 to 5 kilometers.  There are horrendously unsafe especially when trucks U-turn by pulling out right in front of oncoming traffic with that "I'm Bigger Than You" attitude.  Then 13 other cars pull out now that the freeway traffic is stopped and multiple rear-end collisions happen. 

There is no fixing this.  Neither the Thai public or government really care.

[Enoon]

9 hours ago, kwilco said:

Who is "we"? - are you reducing it to an "us and them" thing?

I'm saying that - and you seem to bare me out on this - that the Safe System is the way to go and most people in Thailand from those countries that use it don't know that is is the right way to bring about safer roads

Here we go again.

 

A "concerned" foreigner with the "answer".

 

If your epistle had been written by a Thai it might have (and that's a very big "might have") some meaning or relevance, and bring with it some hope for the future.

 

As it is, it is an absolute waste of time for you to write it  here.......or anywhere that might even be in the sight of Thais.

 

You are shouting at the wind.......completely wasting your energy.

 

They really do not give a **** what you, or anyone else, as a foreigner, has to say......about anything.

 

And why should anyone here give a **** about your concerned energy, when everything about "the way things are", in Thailand, is totally and solely dependent on the whim of those Thais?

 

Here we go again:

 

 

 

 

[spidermike007]

The safe system in Thailand. Get the lazy, useless, wasted Highway patrol, to actually patrol the highways, pull people over for reckless driving, impound their cars, suspend their licenses and perhaps include a short jail term, just for effect. 

 

It is known as a deterrent, around the world. Not here. No such thing. 

[kwilco]

2 hours ago, n00dle said:

What manner of copy pasta is this? 

 

Are we really doing this now?

 

Embracing the "Safe System" - A Turning Point for Thailand's Road Safety

The Kingdom of Thailand, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, unfortunately, also holds a less prestigious title: it is consistently ranked among the nations with the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world. The Thai government has made commendable efforts to address this issue, but more needs to be done, and urgently. One promising approach is the adoption of the "Safe System," a comprehensive, internationally recognized framework for road safety.

The Safe System approach shifts the perspective on road safety. Instead of placing the onus solely on road users to avoid errors, the Safe System acknowledges that humans make mistakes and focuses on creating an environment where these errors do not lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Key components include safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and safe road use, all underpinned by effective post-crash care.

Thailand's current road safety strategies, while critical, are largely reactive, focused on enforcing traffic laws and improving post-crash response. While these measures are valuable, they are not enough. An over-reliance on law enforcement and post-crash care can be akin to treating the symptoms and not the disease. The Safe System, on the other hand, is a proactive approach, aiming to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.

Adopting the Safe System in Thailand could yield significant benefits. For example, managing speed, a key principle of the Safe System, could dramatically reduce the severity of crashes. Given that speed has been identified as a major contributing factor to road fatalities in Thailand, initiatives to establish and enforce appropriate speed limits, combined with infrastructure designed to manage speed, could save countless lives.

Moreover, the Safe System emphasizes the importance of vehicle safety standards. Thailand, a hub of automobile production, has the opportunity to lead by example, implementing and enforcing higher safety standards for vehicles produced and sold domestically. This could not only protect Thai road users but also elevate the safety of vehicles exported from Thailand.

To effectively implement the Safe System, the Thai government will need to foster a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach, involving stakeholders from various sectors, such as transportation, health, education, and law enforcement. Furthermore, success will require not only policy changes but also cultural shifts, encouraging all road users to view road safety as a shared responsibility.

While the implementation of the Safe System will undoubtedly present challenges, the potential benefits far outweigh the costs. Thailand has the opportunity to drastically reduce the number of lives lost on its roads each year and provide a safer environment for all road users.

Moreover, the adoption of the Safe System could serve as a powerful example to other countries grappling with similar issues, showcasing that a proactive, comprehensive approach to road safety can indeed save lives.

Road safety is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. Every life lost on the road is one too many. As we move forward, let us not accept these losses as inevitable, but rather, let's strive for a Thailand where every journey on the road is a safe one. The Safe System provides a pathway to that future. It's high time we take that path.

 

"What manner of copy pasta is this? " - what do you mean?

 

The problem is - and a citation for your post this would be helpful - that although various organisations have been promoting the safe system for several years, it isn't actually being enacted.. I've read it before but where I couldn't say - I think it was an ASEAN road safety conference? what was the date?

But it largely agrees with what I've written.

 

As I said earlier the government is beginning to spend money of "road safety" but only within the blinkered perceptions they have. If they really adopt it, then we will see a lowering in the death rate and other sets of statistics.

Since Covid I've noticed a lot of changes along the roads of Thailand - Armco barriers and points patches all over the road.

 

I think one of the problems is that in Thailand the job of "traffic engineer" doesn't seem to exist - so  will or has Thailand adopted the "Safe System" and will they actually carry it out fully?...it is holistic

[kwilco]

2 hours ago, Enoon said:

Here we go again.

 

A "concerned" foreigner with the "answer".

 

If your epistle had been written by a Thai it might have (and that's a very big "might have") some meaning or relevance, and bring with it some hope for the future.

 

As it is, it is an absolute waste of time for you to write it  here.......or anywhere that might even be in the sight of Thais.

 

You are shouting at the wind.......completely wasting your energy.

 

They really do not give a **** what you, or anyone else, as a foreigner, has to say......about anything.

 

And why should anyone here give a **** about your concerned energy, when everything about "the way things are", in Thailand, is totally and solely dependent on the whim of those Thais?

 

Here we go again:

????

 

 

 

 

So unfortunately you seem to have boiled it down to race?

[NanLaew]

That's it! I'm off to Sweden as soon as my eyes stop bleeding.

 

Thanks OP!

[Dan O]

10 hours ago, kwilco said:

Road safety is a science scientific facts are not dependent on our beliefs or opinions; they are based on empirical evidence and observations. For example, the laws of gravity exist whether or not we believe in them, and the fact that the earth revolves around the sun is true regardless of our personal beliefs. - it doesn't matter where it is applied - your concepts of "first world" etc are unhelpful and misleading. 

At present the authorities are spending huge amounts on road building and road safety but as hey don't understand the science, it seems to be having little effect.

 

 

It's based on science according to you but it's Your opinion that they just don't understand the science. Your again talking nonsense. 

 

You can't take first world methods, systems or programs and force feed them into a country like Thailand with it's specific and peculiar social and societal practices and policies and  govt structure and expect magic to happen.

 

 Everything can work in theory but in practice and reality you find the truth which you seem to be missing. 

 

No need to discuss this with me any further. Have a great day. 

[Chongalulu]

9 hours ago, kwilco said:

12 hours ago, Enoon said:

Here we go again.

 

A "concerned" foreigner with the "answer".

 

If your epistle had been written by a Thai it might have (and that's a very big "might have") some meaning or relevance, and bring with it some hope for the future.

 

As it is, it is an absolute waste of time for you to write it  here.......or anywhere that might even be in the sight of Thais.

 

You are shouting at the wind.......completely wasting your energy.

 

They really do not give a **** what you, or anyone else, as a foreigner, has to say......about anything.

 

And why should anyone here give a **** about your concerned energy, when everything about "the way things are", in Thailand, is totally and solely dependent on the whim of those Thais?

 

Here we go again:

????

 

 

 

 

Expand  

So unfortunately you seem to have boiled it down to race?

No, YOU'VE just done that..

[berrec]

Good reading and a great laugh, never going to happen in Thailand.

 

5E's of Thai drivers

Egocentric

Exasperating

Enraged

Erratic

Entitlement

 

 

[torturedsole]

Quote

Thailand’s attitude to road safety is archaic and fundamentally flawed.

Don't speed, keep a distance and don't get stressed. 

 

Nothing's going to change except your attitude to the rules of the road (or lack thereof). 

 

Apologies, OP, but ridiculous thread. 

[metisdead]

As there were no supporting links to the "studies" in this topic about road safety and this forum is not the Thai Driving Education forum. 

 

Topic closed.