Stories tagged with road
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Songkran road toll soars
More than 200 people across Thailand have already lost their lives over the period from Friday through Monday during the Songkran festival.
This year’s water festival has already seen more people killed and injured on the roads than at the same point last year, with 229 dead and over 3,300 injured - around 5.5 per cent up on last year.
Petchabun province had the highest death toll with 11 dead so far, followed by Rayong, and Suphan Buri provinces.
The highest number of accidents was in Chiang Rai province, at 50, followed by Phetchabun province at 42.
Most accidents occurred on village roads and mainly at night with the great percentage of those being alcohol-fueled.
Although the powers-that-be were thinking of imposing a ban on the sale of alcohol over Songkran; in reality, people will just hoard beer and spirits before the event.
The Thai Red Cross has reported that it was running out of blood supplies and needs about 1,500 units of blood daily during this busy time, whereas it only received 973 units on April 12 and 950 units on April 13.
Blood goes to hospitals nationwide from the red cross’s blood banks.
Tourists taking part in the Songkran festivities are advised not to ride motorcycles and take public transport.
Posted by: Andrew on 15 Apr 2008, 17:11 -
Holiday traffic claims 369 lives
Thailand’s poor road safety record was once again called into question as the New Year holiday season resulted in thousands of accidents and claimed nearly 400 lives. A further 4,514 people were injured in nearly as many accidents.
There was a four per cent decrease in accident fatalities from the previous year, but it remains a chronic problem in Thailand has heavy traffic over the long weekend results in higher accident rates.
December 30th was the deadliest day, with 85 fatalities and Bangkok recorded the most accidents of all provinces, proving that it was not just long distance travellers at risk from reckless motorists.
As much has 42 per cent of the accidents were caused by drunk driving according to the Interior Ministry, however the largest group affected were motorcyclist. Many of the injured and dead were not wearing safety helmets.
Other main causes of accidents include speeding and reckless overtaking. Although few tourists were involved, they are advised to avoid travelling during the long New Year Weekend, by road. The hilly, curving roads of the mountainous north are particularly risky during this time.
Transportation guide for Thailand
Posted by: Andrew on 03 Jan 2008, 22:14