Sunday 17 November 2013 marks the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims where all those killed or injured in road traffic accidents are remembered, together with their families, the emergency services and all others affected or involved.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety 2013, indicated that road traffic deaths in Thailand have grown to become the third highest (of 182 countries) in the world, estimated at 38.1 deaths per 100,000 of the Thai population. The WHO estimated road traffic deaths in Thailand in 2010 to be 26,312. A key factor is the very high number of motorcycles in Thailand.

According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health there were 13,766 deaths as a result of road traffic incidents in 2010, 79% involving males and 21% involving females. In comparing statistics it should be noted that there is a difference in the method of calculating statistics for road deaths in Thailand (at the scene of the accident) and the WHO (within 30 days of the accident).

British Ambassador Mark Kent highlights the importance of the British Embassy working together with partners in Thailand to help raise awareness about the issue. Accidents do occur and not all tragedies are avoidable, but the outcome could be very different with many lives being saved and critical injuries reduced, if people adopted the same safety precautions abroad that they would naturally take at home.

The Embassy Consular Team provides assistance and support to families bereaved as a result of road traffic accidents and additionally, regularly assist individuals who have sustained severe head/ brain and other serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. Regrettably some of these people suffer life changing, incapacitating injuries. It is not uncommon for families to have the additional worry of mounting hospital bills as either the motorbike’s engine size or the failure to wear a crash helmet invalidates many travel insurance policies.

https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-news/2013-world-day-of-remembrance-for-road-traffic-victims

In comparing statistics it should be noted that there is a difference in the method of calculating statistics for road deaths in Thailand (at the scene of the accident) and the WHO (within 30 days of the accident).

The death statistics are actually a lot higher and nobody has calculated or factored in life changing disabilities as a result of road accidents.

Let's be careful out there!

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