Development of an action model for road accident prevention by The Road Safety Committee: An action research study in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram Province, fiscal year 2024

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents continue to increase and remain a major public health problem, causing substantial social and economic impacts.

Objectives: To examine the road traffic accident situation, develop a road traffic injury prevention model, and evaluate its effectiveness in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram Province, Thailand.

Methods: This action research was conducted from October 1, 2023, to September 20, 2024, in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram Province, Thailand. A total of 191 members of the district road safety committee participated in the study. The research process followed the PAOR cycle and consisted of four phases: (1) Plan, (2) Action, (3) Observation, and (4) Reflection. Research instruments included a knowledge questionnaire, in-depth interview guide, observation form, accident record form, meeting records, and progress monitoring forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and content analysis.

Results: In Phase 1, a district road safety committee was established, and the road traffic accident situation was analyzed, resulting in policy recommendations for road traffic injury prevention. In Phase 2, participants received road safety training, participated in workshops, and applied the Health Determinants Triangle framework to analyze problems. Road safety knowledge significantly increased, and a collaborative action plan was developed. In Phase 3, observation findings showed continuous participation of committee members in meetings and implementation activities. In Phase 4, the After-Action Review revealed that integrated interventions contributed to a reduction in road traffic mortality. Key lessons learned indicated that effective road traffic injury prevention requires simultaneous management of individual, system, and environmental factors through stakeholder participation and evidence-based management. These findings were synthesized into an innovative operational framework, the PHANOMRUNG MODEL.

Conclusion: Integrating the Health Determinants Triangle framework with the PAOR process facilitated systematic and participatory management of individual, system, and environmental risk factors. This approach improved road safety outcomes and led to the development of a sustainable district-level road traffic injury prevention model.