Phuket Road Safety Motorcycle Rally Highlights Helmet Use and Traffic Risks

A motorcycle rally promoting safer driving took place across Phuket on November 1 as part of a campaign to reduce road accidents and fatalities. The event was organised by the Phuket office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), with Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom leading the start of the rally.

The governor joined the ride on a black Ducati Scrambler as motorcyclists set off from Phuket Provincial Hall.

The campaign was held under the slogan “Phuket for Safe Driving: Think Before You Start the Engine.” It was organised in connection with the annual month of remembrance for road traffic victims and included the free distribution of motorcycle helmets.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed annually on the third Sunday of November.

Rally covered all three districts

The motorcycle procession began at Phuket Provincial Hall and passed through all three districts of the island: Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang.

Other campaign locations included the Kathu District Office and Robinson Lifestyle Thalang shopping centre.

Participants included government representatives, business operators, community organisations, students and local residents.

The campaign promoted several key road safety principles:

• Wearing a helmet whenever riding a motorcycle.

• Never driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Following speed limits.

• Avoiding driving against the flow of traffic.

• Keeping motorcycles in safe, roadworthy condition.

Road fatalities remain a concern

The rally took place amid continuing concerns about Phuket’s road accident rate. According to the figures presented for the campaign, the number of road deaths was 15% higher than in the previous year, which had also recorded a high number of fatalities.

Data from the Thai RSC foundation showed that 113 people had died in road accidents on Phuket between January 1 and October 31.

However, figures compiled by the provincial DDPM office using data from three databases recorded 156 deaths over the same period. Two additional fatalities were reported following accidents on November 1.

The areas identified as particularly affected by road accidents and fatalities included Mueang Phuket district, especially Chalong and Rawai subdistricts, as well as Si Sunthon in Thalang district.

The campaign aimed to reinforce safer driving habits and remind motorists that helmet use, responsible speeds and compliance with traffic rules can help reduce the risk of serious accidents.