162 killed in Songkran road accidents so far this year

SONGKRAN’S notorious “seven dangerous days” have thus far seen 1,259 traffic accidents, with 162 people killed and 1,279 injured.

On Sunday, 317 accidents were reported, with 38 fatalities and 311 injuries.

The assistant national police chief, Pol Lt-General Kornchai Klaiklueng, said yesterday that many people have started making their way back to Bangkok and other big cities, opening the door to more accidents and heavy traffic.

As part of measures to ensure safety, he said, Traffic Polic will coordinate with their provincial counterparts and intensify checks at all roadblocks, especially near event venues and at night.

Meanwhile, the main causes of road accidents have been speeding (37.22%) followed by drunk driving (25.87%) and poor visibility (15.46%). Most, or 87.51% of the accidents involved motorbikes, and many of the accidents (20.92%) involved people aged between 20 and 29.

On Sunday, Nan province reported the highest number of accidents and injuries at 14 and 16, respectively, while Nakhon Sawan reported the highest number of deaths at three.

Meanwhile, over the past four days, Nakhon Si Thammarat saw the most road accidents (50) and reported the most injuries (54). Meanwhile, Bangkok and Roi Et lead the list in total fatalities with 10 each, though 21 provinces have reported no deaths from traffic accidents over the past four days. — The Nation/ANN