Article Text
Abstract
Background Songkran festival declared as ‘Family day’ for all Thais. Millions of Thais who live and work in different places will return home and a chance of road traffic accidents.
Aim/Objectives/Purpose The objective of this descriptive research was to study factors related to road traffic accidents during Songkran festival in 2004.
Methods Studied population were the injured and the dead from road traffic accidents admitted to six hospitals in Nakornratchasima during 9–18 April 2004. Twenty-eight of the injured were sampled for in-dept interview. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from Injury Surveillance Form and from in-dept interviewing.
Results/Outcomes The study revealed males were 2–3 times more than females. Age were mostly between 16 and 25-years-old, graduated from secondary school level or lower, occupations were employee, living in municipal area. Results of the accidents, 87.4% were injured and 4.1% passed away, most of them died at the accidental sites. Drivers accounted for 51.5% and 42.8% were passengers. Fifty-one % of motorcycle drivers weren't using helmet. While 96.2% no data of seatbelt fastening. Alcoholic consumption before driving was 9.9%, but 61.0% were not documented. Accidents occurring during 12–14 April 2004 were 42.3%, with maximal occurring on 13 April 2004, the peak hours was 12.00–20.00
Significance/Contribution to the Field Main factors of road accident during Songkran festival such as disobey of traffic rule. Lack of safety equipment and the critical place and time of the most accident. This factor should be taken as the consideration for the involve authorities to important road safety policy.