Motorcycle Safety
Dr.Suebpong writes;
"Someone should tell you that you have stepped your one leg into the grave whenever you start to ride the motorbike without the safety helmet. WHO, Mortality Country Fact Sheet reported the road traffic accidents is the fifth causes of death in Thailand, approximately 13,000 persons are killed. Motorcycles, which are one of the most dangerous vehicles, take part 21% of number of accidents. And the helmet related statistics released:
- Number of accident case increase continually to 122,122 cases in 2005.
- The peak of nighttime accident is running from 6pm to 9pm.
- 1 in 8 of motorcyclist with reported injuries has a brain injury
- Two-thirds of deaths are from traumatic brain injury.
- A very high percentage of brain injuries can be prevented by the helmet, estimated from 45- 88 %
The rapidly tourism’s growth in Koh Chang causes increasing demand for transport services. The road safety facilities can reduce the number and severity of accidents and improvement of hazardous locations. These facilities can be provided the roadway improvement, roadway widening, provision of frontage roads with sidewalks, provision of reflectorized road signs and marking etc.
However, when you ride with helmet the consequences of uneventful ride, getting the bump on the head, losing your jaw or nose, getting a neck injury or dying can be diminished Although the wearing helmets law require everyone to do so but it is not strictly implement in Koh Chang. Motorcycling safety is a complex issue and caused by several factors. But wearing the helmet result in decreasing of the death. It is not a civil rights issue; it is your safety issue.
Please take care because I don't want to meet you at the hospital! Please......"
