ROAD ACCIDENT RISK POINT MANGEMENT GUIDELINES IN KHUHA TAI SUB-DISTRICT COMMUNITY, RATTAPHUM DISTRICT, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) study road accident risk points in the community of Khuha Tai Subdistrict, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province, and
2) propose guidelines for managing road accident risk points in the community of Khuha Tai Subdistrict, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province. The key informants were selected through purposive sampling, including 10 community committee members, 1 Khuha Tai Subdistrict Municipality member, 1 Khuha Tai Subdistrict Learning Center (ศกร.) representative, 1 Rescue Foundation representative, 2 Khao Kuha Community Rights Protection Association (Rattaphum District) members, and 1 Subdistrict Community Council representative, totaling 16 people. The research instruments included structured interviews, focus groups, brainstorming, participatory observation, with data analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively.

The research findings revealed that 1) there were 11 road accident risk points in the community, consisting of 3 curved road sections and 9 intersections. In 2023 (B.E. 2566), there were 7 accidents, resulting in 1 death and 4 injuries. From observation of driving behavior, the researcher found that motorcycle riders did not wear helmets and rode bicycles against traffic flow. In terms of car driving behavior, it was found that drivers did not use turn signals or activated turn signals suddenly at distances less than the legally required 60 meters. The physical environment at risk points obstructed visibility, lacked traffic signs, and the community lacked promotion of safe vehicle use. Moreover, 2) guidelines for managing road accident risk points in the community were classified into 2 approaches which were (1) community-based management, such as promoting participatory knowledge of traffic and safety, and (2) referral to relevant agencies for development and accident prevention at risk points to ensure safety.