Songkran traffic death toll jumps to 99, and 1,085 injured

In just two days of the “7-day dangerous period” from April 11-17, a total of 99 people have been killed in traffic accidents, and 1,085 others injured.

Only in  the second day on April 12, 60 others died and 624 others were injured in 579 traffic accidents.

The Road Safety Centre said on Friday(Apr 13) that in two days, 99 people have  died, and 1,085 were injured in 1,026 traffic accidents happened on highways, secondary and rural roads nationwide.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the cause of deaths and injuries in the second day remained to be drink driving (42.83%), and speeding (24.35%), while motorcycles  were engaged in most accidents (78.84%).

He said most traffic accidents happened on straight sections of tambon rural roads (38.69%),  and of provincial  highways (37.65%), and most accidents  happened between 400pm-8.00pm.

He said most fatal traffic victims aged at 50 and over (26.17%).

Chiang Rai  recorded the highest accumulated  traffic accidents of 38 cases while Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram and Phetchabun recorded the highest accumulated fatalities of five  each in two days.

He said a total of 65,492 officials were put on traffic duties and 764,035 vehicles were called for checking with days.

A total 154,773 traffic violators were arrested –  43,464 of them for not wearing crash helmets and 42,609 for driving with no driving licences.