Road toll breaks last year's record

The road toll over the week-long New Year travel period, which ended on Wednesday, exceeded last year's record levels in all categories, Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras said yesterday. This year saw 449 people killed and 4,943 injured in 4,456 accidents, higher than the same period last year by eight deaths, 171 injuries and 262 accidents, he said.

Bangkok and Prachuap Khiri Khan shared the top spot with 18 fatalities each from Thursday to Wednesday, followed by Chiang Rai and Buri Ram with 17 each and Chaiyaphum with 16.

The six fatality-free provinces were Chai Nat, Mae Hong Son, Yasothon, Lamphun, Samut Songkhram and Ang Thong.

The number of accidents was highest in Khon Kaen at 141, trailed closely by Chiang Rai, 139, and Chiang Mai, 129.

Most accidents involved motorcycles, occurred on straight stretches of local roads and at night, Mr Kosit said.

The death toll for Wednesday alone stood at 42, with 397 people injured. A total of 378 road accidents was reported that day.

Public Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla said the ministry's survey found alcohol was available at prohibited locations _ petrol stations, educational institutions and religious places.

A survey of 1,062 locations in 12 major provinces throughout the country over the seven-day span ending on Wednesday found 164 locations violating the ban on liquor sales, or 15% of the total surveyed.

Nakhon Si Thammarat had the highest number of violations at 72%.

The survey also found 137 out of 708 locations breached the legal sales periods from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to midnight.

Bangkok Post