A Top Cause Of Tourist Injuries In Thailand Is This Unexpected Transportation Method
When you're on an adventure, the last thing you ever want to think about is getting hurt or worse — dying. Unfortunately, such a scenario is sometimes a reality in Thailand, where you'll notice motorcycles, scooters, and other motorized bikes tooling around the roadways seemingly everywhere you look in the country. However, those modes of transportation can come at a cost. When researching 2017 road accident data for the popular destination Chiang Mai in Thailand, researchers at Lowland Technology International discovered shocking tourist roadway data.
Of the 15,256 deaths and 1,002,193 roadway injuries in the city that year, it was found that 7% of those who died and 9% who were injured were tourists, per the research. Roads are so dangerous in Thailand, in fact, that the World Health Organization (WHO) found in their latest Road Safety report in 2018 that the country has the second highest road fatality rate. There is a lot to consider before you hit the road in Thailand, though you also need to be careful as a pedestrian since they, along with motorcyclists, make up the bulk of traffic deaths in the country each year, according to WHO.
Motorcycles have the highest injury and death rate in Thailand
According to the Bangkok Post, nearly 75% of traffic deaths in Thailand involve motorcyclists and other motorbike users. Thailand's roads are generally considered some of the most dangerous in the world, making matters worse for tourists or anyone else who wants to ride electric bikes. Although it's convenient to hop on a motorcycle to see the city, it is generally not a risk worth taking. "What is clear in Thailand is that the roads are not safe for all users," Evelyn Murphy, a public health lawyer who specializes in unintentional injury prevention at WHO, told The New York Times. "Whether it's cars or motorcycles or pedestrians, the safety of all users of roads must be considered, regardless of income level."
Further, Thai officials told the NYT that things like speeding, drunk driving, and improper helmet/safety equipment use were the reasons why there were such high death rates. Yet the outlet discovered that even when people are fined for not wearing their helmets (a legal requirement), little to nothing is done about it, exacerbating the issue. With safety protocols like helmet use in place, it is more possible to ride motorbikes in Thailand safely. However, you should ride with extreme caution, get the proper travel insurance (that also covers healthcare if needed), and always have identification in case you are pulled over.
How to ride a motorcycle safely in Thailand
Statistics aside, many tourists ride their motorbikes in Thailand every year without incident. The key is to do as much as you can to protect yourself in case the unexpected happens. As we know from the travel tips we've learned from Rick Steves, it's important to expect problems to happen. Other than always wearing a helmet, consider not riding at night. Not only will you avoid the vast majority of drunk drivers, but you won't have to worry as much about unsafe driving practices when it's harder to see.
If you're a newbie motorbike rider, you may also want to skip this experience as a driver. Riding a motorcycle as a driver in Thailand is better suited for tourists who already know the mechanics of riding a motorized cycle. Without those learned skills, it may be a more dangerous experience for you. Also, you should thoroughly inspect your bike before taking off with it. Don't skimp on the rental; opt for a newer cycle over an older one, inspect the tires, and always check the brakes for traction.
With safety measures in place, you can see Thailand from a new perspective. You could even plan the road trip of your dreams using AI! Just don't forget your helmet and always be aware of your surroundings while on a motorcycle.