Model Development for Reducing Fatal Traffic Accident Using Local Involvement, Resource and Capacity in Phuket

Abstract

In 2007, Phuket was among the provinces with highest rate of traffic accident injury in Thailand (4,708.1 per 100,000 population). To solve the problem, a model for reducing traffic accidents was developed through a series of action research activities which were operated in 3 circular phases of planning, acting, observing and reflecting during the years 2008-2012. Stakeholders included 28 provincial committee members involving in solving the problems, 100 representatives of families randomly selected from those living in the accident prone areas, and 298 young people. Data collection tools were record forms, reports, interview forms, and questionnaires. Data were collected from September 2009 until May 2012; and analyzed by descriptive statistical methods. Activities in the model included setting up of supervision teams, networking, utilizing data on the causes of deaths, survey of accident prone locations, meetings among stakeholders to set the targets and identify approaches to reduce traffic accidents, coordination, integration of budget, and monitoring and evaluation. Subsequent actions included the use of hospital reports, obtaining data on accident sites from the police, analysis of driving speeds, the rate of helmet use, collection of suggestions from communities and youth groups, establishing learning centers, advocating by local media, building capacity of drink-and-drive victims’ club, and promoting participation of communities. It was found that the main causes of traffic accidents were risky driving behaviors and speeding. Communities’ opinion for solving the problem s was traffic engineering management; for that from the youth was law enforcement. Evaluation of the model revealed 37.0% reduction of deaths in 2011 as compared to 2007; the case fatality index reduce from 0.0133 to 0.0087; and the number of participating networks increased from 8 to 20. The authors concluded that the key success factors in this model were involvement of the networks, utilizing information for management and continuous monitoring.