The Road Traffic Injuries Investigation on Caused of Dead from a Pickup Truck Crashed a Tree, Nakhon Ratchasima Province on January 17–18, 2023

Abstract

On January 16, 2023, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 9 (ODPC 9), Nakhon Ratchasima Province, was notified of a pickup truck that had crashed into a tree on a curve near Sra Takhae Hin Village, Banlang Subdistrict, Non Thai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. An investigation was jointly conducted by ODPC 9 and network agencies on January 17–18, 2023, to determine the causes and risk factors associated with the injuries and fatalities and to propose preventive measures for future accidents. A descriptive study employing descriptive statistics and a risk analysis using the Haddon matrix model was performed. The results showed that the accident occurred at approximately 2:40 a.m. on January 16, 2023. The pickup truck veered off the curve, overturned, and crashed into a tree while returning from a karaoke shop. There were nine victims in total: five dead at the scene, one seriously injured individual, and three with minor injuries. All the victims were male, with a median age of 20 years (range 14 years). They all sustained head injuries and multiple wounds, with lacerations being the most common type (66.67%). The five dead included the driver and four passengers who were in the truck bed. The overturned vehicle crushed the occupants. Neither the driver nor the front-seat passengers were wearing seatbelts. The driver’s blood alcohol concentration was 149 mg/dL, exceeding the legal limit of 50 mg/dL. Additionally, the vehicle had been modified to enhance its power. The accident occurred at night. The risk factors contributing to this accident included drunk driving, a modified vehicle, poor road conditions, and environmental factors. The severe injuries and fatalities were also attributed to the absence of seatbelt use and passengers riding in the truck bed. Therefore, strict enforcement of drunk driving laws and prohibitions on passengers riding in the truck bed are essential measures, alongside improvements to unsafe road infrastructure and environmental conditions, to prevent similar accidents in the future.