Thailand moves to cut Songkran death toll
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is promising free car safety inspection until in an attempt to cut the horrific accident rate during the annual Songkran festival.
More people die on Thailand’s road during the four-day holiday than during a comparable time frame in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
During the seven deadly days of Songkran last year, road accidents killed 271 people nationwide, down from 361 deaths in 2010. Road accidents during the 2011 festival were recorded as 3,516.
Drunk driving remains the single highest cause of fatalities (32.5%), but the lack of driving skills is also a significant factor.
Thailand transport deputy minister, Chatchart Sittipan, said his ministry has set a target to reduce the death toll by 50% over the next eight years.
Ian Jarrett
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