Day 4: DDPM Steps Up Road Safety for New Year Festivities

[Georgealbert]

 

 

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stated at their daily briefing that it has implemented stricter safety measures nationwide to curb road crashes during New Year celebrations. The Road Safety Directing Centre, under the DDPM, has coordinated with provincial authorities to increase checkpoints, community patrols, and family-led interventions to deter high-risk behaviours, particularly drink-driving.

 

Key tourist hotspots, religious sites, entertainment venues, and New Year festival areas will see enhanced safety patrols, with a focus on ensuring the security of both residents and tourists. Authorities have also tightened regulations on the sale of alcohol, particularly in community areas hosting private celebrations.

 

Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Road Safety, noted that the surge in holiday travel and celebrations increases the risk of incidents, especially drink-driving on secondary and rural roads connecting communities to main routes. Provincial governors have been instructed to intensify inspections and enforce laws at key checkpoints, targeting reckless driving, speeding, and helmet violations.

 

Proactive strategies, such as door-to-door visits to homes hosting celebrations, are being employed to offer safety advice and warnings. Community and family-based checkpoints are also active in discouraging dangerous driving behaviours. Special focus is placed on areas with high labour populations, urging businesses to oversee their workers’ safety practices.

 

As part of the campaign, over 4,000 checkpoints and 60,000 personnel, including police, military, and volunteers, have been deployed nationwide. Large countdown events at 49 locations across the country are under heightened security, with crowd management and emergency access plans in place.

 

According to Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Thruadtrong, the Royal Thai Police has introduced innovative strategies such as distributing helmets to reduce motorcycle injuries. Police forces nationwide, with additional mobile units, are ensuring a seamless response to emergencies and smooth traffic flow.

 

Accident Statistics as of 30 December 2024

 

On the fourth day of the “Safe Driving, Accident-Free Thailand” campaign, the DDPM reported 261 road accidents, resulting in 267 injuries and 32 fatalities. Speeding (43.3%) and drink-driving (22.6%) were the leading causes of accidents, with motorcycles involved in 83.8% of incidents. Most accidents occurred on straight roads (77.8%) and during the late afternoon.

 

Cumulative figures from 27 to 30 December 2024:

 

• Total accidents: 1,134

• Injuries: 1,109

• Fatalities: 175

 

Provinces with the highest incidents include Ayutthaya (42 crashes), while Bangkok and Nonthaburi recorded the highest number of fatalities (9 each). Fourteen provinces have reported no fatalities so far.

 

Authorities continue to enforce the “10 Key Traffic Offenses” and urge citizens to report incidents via the 24-hour emergency hotline 1784 or Line ID @1784DDPM. With these measures in place, officials aim to reduce casualties and ensure a safe and joyous New Year for all.

 

Related article:

 

Day 3 Sees Ramps Up New Year Road Safety Measures with Strict Alcohol Checks and Penalties: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347516-day-3-sees-ramps-up-new-year-road-safety-measures-with-strict-alcohol-checks-and-penalties/

 

 

 

-- 2024-12-31

 

[ikke1959]

More holidays are needed.... and less rules on the roads....it seems every year there must be set a new record...I am so sorry for the people who thought to party , but are in grieve now... and I have no mercy for the ones who speeding, drinking or drugged as a driver.. and I don't know why the police and the Government don't shame themselves with every year putting so many lives at danger.. They should be prosecuted for recklessness

[FolkGuitar]

So busy with this plan and that, tell the people, spread the word, putting up posters, setting up tables for 'safety checks,' having meetings, even handing out helmets...

 

... everything except putting more mobile police on the roads.

[Aussie999]

"The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stated at their daily briefing that it has implemented stricter safety measures nationwide to curb road crashes during New Year celebrations" so just how are they intend to change the Thai driving culture, in such a short time.... so far, the cops have failed to make any difference.

[MartinBangkok]

Most of the Thai people that get a free helmet will sell it. Heck: 200 Baht is four hot meals.