Results of a Study Analyzing the Causes of Road Accidents by Thai and Foreign Nationals In Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

        Pai District in Mae Hong Son Province is a popular tourist destination in Thailand. In the fiscal year 2006 traffic accidents by motorcycles constituted one of the five top public health problems that have to be solved urgently. For this reason the author has conducted an analytical study of data concerning accident rates with the objective of finding the causes of traffic accidents by Thai nationals and foreign tourists and to apply the data of the analysis in solving the problem of road accidents in a comprehensive manner. The methodology used was the study of reported behavior patterns leading to road accidents by motorcycle from injured patients – Thai nationals as well as foreign tourists - undergoing treatment at Pai Hospital during the period from 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2007. The study shows that in the fiscal year 2007 there were a total of 1,203 cases of injuries with a ratio of 3445.60 per population of 100000 with 768 Thai nationals and 255 foreigners involved. Concerning the causes 53.12% drove recklessly, 39.45% drank alcohol before driving and 7.42% cases were beyond one’s control . As for the foreigners 80.78% were beyond one’s control, 15.29% cases DUI and 3.92% cases reckless driving . 82.74% injured foreigners admitted driving a motorcycle for the first time. It is suggested that in order to solve the problem of road accidents the cooperation of many institutions is necessary. Moreover concerned agencies have to do their duty in an earnest manner and with concrete measures. The enforcement of traffic discipline for Thai nationals is an urgent matter that needs concrete implementations. Concerning the foreigners the main problem is lack of experience in driving. Thus strict controls of driving licenses and short-term driving courses for inexperienced people in order to obtain a certain level of expertise before the motorcycle is rented are mandatory. Furthermore motorcycle rental shops should provide vehicles that are easy to drive for tourists.