Twenty-nine people died and 190 others were injured in 198 road accidents across Thailand on Tuesday, the first of the ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ of the New Year holiday period.
According to the Royal Thai Police, speeding (41.92%) was the largest contributor in the accidents, followed by drunk driving (20.20%) and sudden cutting-in (18.69%). Motorcycles were involved in 71.79% of the accidents.
Failure to wear crash helmets accounted for 55.71% of the deaths and injuries. Most accidents occurred on straight roads (87.37%) and 43.94% occurred on roads under the jurisdiction of the Highways Department.
Most accidents occurred between 6pm and 9pm. Most of the casualties were aged between 30 and 39.
Chiang Rai and Phuket recorded the most accidents (11 each) while Bangkok had the highest death toll (3) and Phuket saw the most people injured (12).