Day 3 Sees Ramps Up New Year Road Safety Measures with Strict Alcohol Checks and Penalties

Authorities are stepping up road safety efforts during the New Year celebrations, with stricter enforcement of traffic laws and alcohol checks across the country. Measures include adjusted checkpoint locations near major event venues and harsh penalties for offenders, especially underage drink drivers.

At a press briefing on December 30, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, reported that most people have already reached their holiday destinations and are now participating in New Year’s Eve festivities. However, the increased gatherings raise the risk of drink-driving-related crashes. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), has ordered enhanced alcohol testing and traffic monitoring to prevent accidents.

Special attention is being paid to drivers under the age of 20. Offenders in this age group will not only face maximum legal penalties but will also trigger investigations targeting alcohol vendors, enablers, and guardians. Mobile alcohol vendors operating near event venues will also face intensified scrutiny.

Over the past three days (27–29 December), authorities have handled 1,763 traffic cases, including drink-driving offences. In four cases, electronic monitoring (EM) devices have been issued. Offenders found to have alcohol addiction issues will be sent to rehabilitation centres.

Mr. Chettha Mosikarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, has instructed provincial authorities to intensify enforcement across all sectors, including police, military, and community groups. Additional checkpoints have been set up along secondary routes, village roads, and main highways to monitor risky behaviour, such as speeding, drink-driving, and failure to use safety equipment.

High-risk areas, including routes near tourist hotspots, entertainment venues, and New Year event locations, will be prioritised. Local authorities are also working to raise public awareness of traffic laws and the consequences of violations.

Deputy Director of the DDPM, Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, highlighted weather-related risks in southern provinces, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat, which are experiencing rain and slippery roads. Northern and northeastern provinces are facing cold conditions, particularly on mountain peaks. Drivers in these regions are advised to use fog lights and avoid high-risk roads.

As part of the “Safe Driving, Zero Accidents” campaign, the DDPM reported 280 road accidents on 29 December alone, resulting in 269 injuries and 47 fatalities. Speeding accounted for 38.57% of accidents, while drink-driving was the cause in 23.21%. Motorcycles were involved in 82.98% of incidents.

Most accidents occurred on straight roads (82.14%) between 16:01 and 17:00. The majority of victims were aged 20–29 years (22.47%).

Key statistics for 29 December include:

• Provinces with the highest accidents: Surat Thani (12 incidents)

• Provinces with the most injuries: Lopburi and Surat Thani (10 each)

• Province with the most fatalities: Sakon Nakhon (4 deaths)

Related article:

93 Dead, 575 Injured in Two Days of New Year Road Crashes: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347449-93-dead-575-injured-in-two-days-of-new-year-road-crashes/

Cumulatively, from 27–29 December, there have been 872 accidents, 841 injuries, and 143 fatalities. Ayutthaya recorded the highest number of accidents (35), while Bangkok reported the most fatalities (7). Nineteen provinces have achieved zero fatalities during this period.

-- 2024-12-30