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Published on January 7th, Bangkok Post

Preeyanat Phanayanggoor

The government wants to teach traffic regulations at school to reduce the road death toll, particularly among young people.

It is hoped the introduction of a traffic safety curriculum at primary, secondary and vocational schools will be a long-term strategy to reduce the carnage on roads.

Public Health statistics show 39.3% of road accident patients admitted to hospitals between Dec 27 and Jan 2 were people aged 15-24 _ the largest group of all patients.

Deputy Transport Minister Nikorn Chamnong said it was essential to teach youths traffic safety as early as possible.

The government had received an 80-million-baht loan from the World Bank to set up the traffic safety curriculum, which was drawn up in 2001 but was on hold due to a lack of funds.

Mr Nikorn said that despite efforts to cut the accident rate through police checks for seat belts, crash helmets and blood-alcohol levels, the number remained high because many motorists lacked traffic discipline.

``Some motorists put on seat belts only when near checkpoints _ instead of doing it for their own safety.

``If we teach small kids traffic laws, discipline and safety, they will grow up to be disciplined motorists,'' he said.

According to the curriculum, Prathom 1-2 pupils will be introduced to safety equipment including seat belts and helmets. They will learn to stand on the pavement while waiting to cross a road, and hold a parent's hand when crossing.

Prathom 3-6 students will be taught how to cross the road on their own and in groups, and how to use public transport safely. They will also be given lessons on safe bicycle riding.

Secondary pupils will learn traffic laws and how to ride a motorcycle. They will also be prepared for a driving test, which can be done on reaching age 16.

The government had aimed to reduce the number of accidents over New Year by 20% but managed only a 4% drop in fatalities and 5% in people injured.