BANGKOK, Thailand – Save the Children Thailand has issued an urgent call for enhanced safety measures to prevent the alarming number of child road deaths in the country, Oct 3.
Over the past decade, over 26,930 Thai children have lost their lives in road accidents, making it the third leading cause of death among children, according to the Department of Disease Control.
A recent report by the Global Alliance – Cities 4 Children revealed that road accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 29 years old, with an estimated 220,000 fatalities annually, primarily in low and middle-income countries. This is largely attributed to inadequate risk assessments on the roads.
The high number of child road deaths is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Every activity involving children, from daily commutes to school trips, must undergo a thorough risk assessment. Without adequate prevention and preparedness, the future of Thai children remains at risk, said Guillaume Rachou, Executive Director of Save the Children Thailand.
Rachou further emphasized the need for practical implementation of safety measures, stating, prevention is not merely about creating policies; it’s about strict enforcement. Schools and parents must prioritize risk assessment in every detail, such as selecting trained drivers, providing safety equipment, conducting emergency drills, and establishing robust monitoring systems. Evacuation drills should be conducted regularly to equip children with the skills and confidence to handle unexpected situations.
Save the Children Thailand also underscored the importance of fostering a strong safeguarding culture in schools, which includes educating children about their rights and protecting them from harm. Schools should have strict child protection policies in place to prevent not only accidents but also physical and emotional abuse.
The organization highlighted the “Safe Systems Approach” to road safety, which focuses on vehicle safety, driver behavior, road infrastructure, and speed management. By implementing these measures, countries can significantly reduce child injuries.
“Everyone has a role to play in creating safe environments for children. Governments, parents, schools, and relevant agencies must work together to ensure that we can prevent accidents and save lives,” he added.
About Save the Children Thailand
Save the Children Thailand is a part of Save the Children International, a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. Save the Children Thailand has been working to improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families in Thailand since 1979. (TNA)
