Identification of Factors Affecting Road Traffic Injuries Incidence and Severity in Southern Thailand Based on Accident Investigation Reports

Nuntaporn Klinjun, Matthew Kelly, Chanita Praditsathaporn and Rewwadee Petsirasan
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Nuntaporn Klinjun: School of Nursing, Walailak University, 222 Thai Buri, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
Matthew Kelly: Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, 62 Mills Road, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
Chanita Praditsathaporn: Faculty of Nursing, Naresuan University, Tha Pho, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Rewwadee Petsirasan: Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Kho Hong, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-17

Abstract: Thailand has the second-highest rates of road traffic mortality globally. Detailed information on the combination of human, vehicle, and environmental risks giving rise to each incident is important for addressing risk factors holistically. This paper presents the result of forensic road traffic investigation reports in Thailand and determines risk factor patterns for road traffic injuries. Detailed forensic reports were extracted for 25 serious traffic accident events. The Haddon matrix was used to analyze risk factors in three phases stratified by four agents. The 25 events analyzed involved 407 victims and 47 vehicles. A total of 65.8% of victims were injured, including 14.5% who died. The majority (66.1%) of deaths occurred at the scene. Human-error-related factors included speeding and drowsiness. Passenger risks included not using the seat belt, sitting in the cargo area and the cab of pickups. Overloaded vehicles, unsafe car modifications, no occupant safety equipment and having unfixed seats were vehicular risks. Environmental risks included fixed objects on the roadside, no traffic lights, no guard rails, no traffic signs, and road accident black spots. At present, traffic accidents cause much avoidable severe injury and death. The outcome of this paper identifies a number of preventable risk factors for traffic injury, and importantly examines them in conjunction. Road traffic safety measures need to consider how human, vehicle, and environmental risks intersect to influence injury likelihood and severity. The Haddon matrix is useful in identifying these pre- and post-accident risk factors. Furthermore, the sustainable preventions of road traffic injury need to address these risks together with active law enforcement.

Keywords: road traffic injury; risk factor; road traffic investigation; Haddon matrix (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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