On this occasion, TMEA donated helmets to promote the campaign of “100% Helmet Wear” to Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, Director of the Road Safety Information Center.
At the end of the campaign, the Road Safety Information Center reported the total number of road accidents over the seven days was 2,992, 164 or 5.79% more than during the seven days of the previous year, while 322 deaths or 0.30% was one less fatality than last year, and 3,225 injuries represented an increase of 185 or 6.08% over last year. Most accidents resulted from drunk driving (36.76%), followed by speeding (24.47%). Motorcycles are the vehicle type with the highest number of accidents (79.14%), followed by pickup trucks (11.39%).
| Type | 2013 | 2014 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accidents | 2,828 | 2,992 | +164 | 5.79% |
| Dead | 323 | 322 | -1 | - 0.30% |
| Injuries | 3,040 | 3,225 | +185 | 6.08% |
This was the first year that the government has worked with local administrations through provincial governors, the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) via a video conference on the launch date to instruct them to strictly implement policies of the government and the ministry in a bid to reduce road accidents in the Kingdom during the upcoming long holidays. The three measures were 1) to enforce strict traffic regulations to minimize accidents 2) to apply effective methods to manage the vehicular traffic and 3) to provide convenience for commuters.
From this year’s statistics, some of the media representatives remarked that the Thai authorities have failed to reduce road casualties this year. The number was only one person fewer than that of the same period last year, a far cry from the 10 percent reduction target. However, the Director of the Road Safety Information Center said that the Road Safety Information Center was generally satisfied with the campaign to reduce the road accidents but more should be done on law enforcement and campaigns for the motorists to adjust their behavior to be more aware of their safety when riding and driving.
