THERE were a total of 3,936 traffic accidents during six days of New Year holidays (Dec. 30-Jan. 4) with drink-driving accounting for a staggering 3,731 cases (94.79%), TV Channel 7 said this morning (Jan. 5).
Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul, director of Probation Department, said despite intensified enforcement measures yesterday there were altogether 813 traffic accidents of which 774 cases (95.20%) were due to driving under the influence of alcohol and 39 cases (4.80%) driving under the influence of drugs.
The cumulative total of 3,936 cases during six days of New Year celebrations can be broken down as follows:
– Drink-driving : 3,731 cases (94.79%);
– Reckless driving: 4 cases (0.10%);
– Driving under the influence of drugs: 199 cases (5.06%);
– Speeding: 2 cases (0.05%).
Drink-driving cases dropped this year compared to last year when the total was 1,542 cases, a decrease of 768 cases.
The top three provinces with the highest number of drink-driving cases were: 1/ Nonthaburi (341 cases); 2/ Bangkok (290 cases); and 3/ Samut Prakan (233 cases).
Over the last couple of days Pol. Lt. Col. Piya visited traffic police at Bang Pahan rest area on Highway 32, kilometre 42, Ayutthaya, where he emphasised safety measures and instructed probation officers nationwide to integrate activities with relevant agencies and probation volunteers in their area of responsibility.
This included having probationers assist people returning to Bangkok at public service units, both at main checkpoints and community checkpoints, as well as cleaning and landscaping 22 high-risk areas. A total of 246 people participated in these activities to help prevent and reduce road accidents during the New Year vacation.
CAPTIONS:
Top – Drink-driving representative image.
Front Page – A traffic accident during New Year holidays.Both photos – Thai Rath
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