17-11-2024 (BANGKOK) Road safety campaigners have issued urgent calls for tougher enforcement of traffic regulations as Thailand grapples with a devastating average of 48 road fatalities per day, placing it among the world’s most dangerous countries for motorists.
At a commemorative event marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, advocates presented stark statistics showing 17,498 lives were lost to road accidents in the previous year, with approximately 1,000 people suffering disabilities from crash-related injuries annually.
Surachai Liengboonlertchai, who chairs parliament’s road safety subcommittee, highlighted the gravity of Thailand’s situation, which ranks ninth globally for road accident rates according to Food and Drug Administration Deputy Secretary-General Dr Withid Sariddeechaikool.
The Road Traffic Accident Victims Empowerment Network, led by Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul, has proposed comprehensive reforms to address the crisis. Supawatjariyakul, whose daughter Dr Waraluck was killed in a high-profile accident involving a police officer on a Ducati motorcycle, called for significant legislative changes.
“We need fundamental reforms to both the Land Traffic Act and Vehicles Act,” Supawatjariyakul stated, outlining proposals including stricter punishment for offenders, enhanced driver licensing procedures, and uniform urban speed limits of 50km per hour.
Dr Withid highlighted that drowsiness, whether from fatigue or medication, remains a significant factor in accidents, warning motorists about the dangers of certain prescription medications while driving.
“These aren’t just statistics – each number represents a preventable tragedy,” said Dr Somchai Thaisong, a leading road safety expert. “Thailand’s road safety crisis requires immediate and decisive action at all levels of society.”
