Citation

Taneerananon P, Somchainuek O. J. East Asia Soc. Transp. Stud. 2005; 6: 3617-3628.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Road accidents are global problems facing all countries with motorized forms of transport and are on the increase in many developing countries including Thailand. The 2004 World Health Organization's report indicates that in 2003 worldwide, an estimated 1.2 million people were killed in road crashes and as many as 50 millions were injured. Projections indicate that these figures will increase by about 65% over the next 20 years unless there is new commitment for prevention. Road accidents cost countries between one and three percent of annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and road traffic accidents would emerge as the 3rd leading cause of disease or injury burden in 2020 from its 9th ranking in 1990 (WHO 2004). The latest road accident statistics from the Office of Thai National Police show that 91,623 accidents occurred in 2003 resulting in 13,209 deaths. Bus accident is a major public concern in Thailand as they often involve the lives of innocent victims. This paper describes characteristics and causes of bus crashes in Thailand. During the past 4 years (1997-2000), 3,000 bus accidents occurred on highways resulting in about 1,500 deaths. More than 50% of these crashes were single bus accidents with overturning being the most common mode. The main contributing factor was errant bus drivers (82.3%) with over speeding (71.9%) being the number 1 cause. Three cases of fatal bus crashes were investigated. The results showed that the 3 contributing elements: drivers' errors, vehicle integrity and defects, and roadside hazards combined to lead to the crashes and their severe consequences. Based on the findings of the investigations, 3 remedial measures to prevent bus crashes and reduce their subsequent impacts were recommended: 1) control of drivers' competency and behaviours 2) improving vehicle safety 3) safety management of roadside hazards. Key Words: Bus Crashes, Bus Accidents, Casualties