The Songkran festival is a long holiday during which many people take the opportunity to travel long distances to return home to their families or to visit various tourist destinations. The fatigue from long-distance driving can pose dangers on the road. Therefore, being alert and cautious is crucial for everyone to travel safely and avoid accidents.

According to the Road Safety Operations Center (RSOC), the primary cause of accidents during the Songkran festival is driving under the influence of alcohol, followed by speeding. The loss of life and property due to road accidents in Thailand is the highest in Asia and the ninth highest in the world. On average, there are 22,000 fatalities, over 100,000 injuries, more than 50,000 disabilities, and an economic loss of over 500 billion baht annually due to road accidents.

The alarming statistics have prompted the Office of the Health Promotion Fund (ThaiHealth) to intensively support and collaborate with relevant partners to drive the campaign “Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely” to reduce accidents and road losses. Recently, they launched a pilot project in 10 provinces to create the Thailand Big Move for Road Safety network, addressing 30 high-risk areas to ensure safe roads for everyone returning home.

This Songkran, the ThaiHealth website team invites everyone to refrain from drinking and driving to ensure a safe journey home. Here are 8 tips for safe driving:

1. Drive at a consistent speed.

2. Do not exceed the speed limit.

3. Avoid overtaking in tight spots, such as on bridges, curves, intersections, or illegal areas.

4. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

5. Always check your rearview mirror and signal before stopping, turning, overtaking, or slowing down.

6. Signal to oncoming vehicles before entering a curve.

7. Keep close to the left edge of the road when passing narrow roads, curves, hills, or mountains.

8. Learn and remember important traffic signs and obey traffic rules without violating stop signs, traffic signals, or road markings.

In addition to safe driving, another crucial thing to avoid is “drinking and driving.” Consuming just one glass of alcohol (200 cc) can raise your blood alcohol level to 20-30 mg, impairing your decision-making and reaction times, thus increasing the risk of accidents. Being mindful of your safety and that of others is essential to prevent accidents and their subsequent consequences.

Songkran is a joyful festival and a time for families to reunite. Let’s make these moments happy by driving safely and avoiding alcoholic beverages. Happy Thai New Year!