Situation and Impact of Road Traffic Accidents on School Children: A Case Study of Ban Nong Khu Khat School, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

       This mixed-methods study investigated road traffic accident situations and impacts among students at Ban Nong Khu Khat School, Maha Sarakham. Methodology included a 3-year retrospective study (2021–2023) and in-depth interviews with 31 key informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results showed an upward trend totaling 55 cases (9.40%), peaking in 2023 (22 cases). Most victims were male (74.55%) and primary students (60.00%). The primary risk factor was riding motorcycles without helmets (69.09%). Impacts were synthesized into four levels: 1) Individual: 16.67% sustained severe injuries leading to functional dependency; 2) Family: A "guilt complex" emerged among elderly caregivers in skipped-generation families; 3) School: Learning disruption and atmospheric decline occurred due to a lack of rural online learning systems ; and 4) Community/Policy: 33.33% of vehicles lacked compulsory insurance, reinforcing the structural poverty cycle. Findings suggest an urgent need for proactive school zone safety measures and local enforcement of compulsory motor insurance.