Six days of Songkran, 216 lives lost in road accidents

Twenty-three people were killed and 161 others injured in 156 road accidents across the country yesterday, bringing the cumulative toll over six days of Songkran celebrations to 216 deaths and 1,073 injuries from 1,108 accidents, according to the Road Accidents Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre.

Of the accidents yesterday, 43.59% were caused by speeding and 25.64% by drunk driving. Motorcycles were involved in 67.84% of all accidents.

Meanwhile, 89.74% of accidents occurred on straight roads, and 17.95% took place between 6pm and 9pm. People aged 20–29 accounted for 24.46% of casualties.

Over the six-day period, Phrae recorded the highest number of accidents (47) and injuries (49), while Bangkok reported the highest death toll, at 19.

With summer storms expected to hit several eastern and northeastern provinces tomorrow, motorists are warned to avoid speeding and to stay clear of large trees.