The Urgent Need for Pedestrian Safety at Crossings
Addressing Road Accident Prevention Failures
Calls are increasing for improved safety measures at pedestrian crossings in Thailand, especially near schools and hospitals, where most road accidents occur. Chamaipan Santikarn, manager of ThaiHealth’s Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project, emphasized this need following a recent incident where a South Korean tourist was hit by a motorcycle at a crosswalk outside the Kidney Institute Hospital. This location is the same site where an ophthalmologist was fatally struck two years prior, highlighting the persistent dangers. Santikarn argues that these repeated accidents at the same spot, despite the presence of a stop light, indicate a systemic failure in Thailand’s approach to road accident prevention.
Innovative Safety Measures for Crosswalks
Implementing Proven Strategies
Santikarn pointed out that effective accident prevention strategies are readily available and that government agencies should take a leading role in implementing them1. She noted that many countries use rumble strips before pedestrian crossings to slow down vehicles. Additionally, she cited the ELLUMIN Intelligent Pedestrian System in China, which uses illuminated signs, smart sensors, and sound alerts to improve pedestrian crossing safety. South Korea has also installed smart crosswalk systems featuring crossing lights on the ground for pedestrians using cell phones, audio guidance, and illuminated signs visible from a distance, even at night. These systems also incorporate cameras and sensors to capture the license plates of vehicles that violate crosswalk rules.
High-Risk Locations and Data Insights
Identifying Danger Zones
Recent CCTV data from Bangkok reveals 20 high-risk locations for pedestrian accidents, primarily in front of schools and hospitals. These locations include Bangkok Intercare School, Yothinburana School, Kidney Institute Hospital, Buengthonglang High School, Rattanakosinsompoch Bangkhunthian School, and Big C on Itsaraphap Road. A ThaiHealth study indicated that nearly 90% of vehicles do not stop at crosswalks in Bangkok when pedestrians are present, with motorcyclists being the worst offenders at 92%, followed by cars at 86%, and public vehicles at 80%.
