The implementation of road accident prevention and resolution in Nadun District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Purposes: To study and analyze the patterns, development, and success factors in driving the prevention and resolution of road traffic accidents in Nadun District, Maha Sarakham Province.

Study Design: This study was conducted as action research.

Materials and Methods: The research was conducted from October 2021 to July 2024, focusing on the committees of the District Road Safety Operations Center and local authorities. It was carried out through four main phases: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through situation and problem analysis, meetings, observation of operations, and knowledge exchange forums. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Main findings: 1) The operational model for preventing and addressing road traffic accidents in Nadun District utilized an integrated mechanism involving the District Road Safety Operations Center and local authorities. Workshops were held, committees were appointed, and safe driving campaigns were conducted across all areas and schools. This approach was developed into the NADUN Model (N = Network, A = Action, D = Development, U = Unity, N = No Accident), meaning “Development and action with full participation of all partners as one unit to achieve sustainable road safety” 2) The interventions enhanced traffic discipline among youth, promoted helmet use, and equipped them with “traffic vaccines” to survive road hazards. Both secondary schools signed MOUs with the District Road Safety Operations Center and relevant agencies under the slogan “Nadun residents are disciplined, drive safely, and wear helmets 100%.” This created model helmet-use areas in all sub-districts and nine alcohol-free model villages. Accident investigations for fatalities were completed fully, and risk data were managed across three dimensions: hazardous locations, high-risk groups, and risky behaviors. During festivals, main and secondary checkpoints were established covering roads leading to major routes, and 12 of 17 critical risk points (70.58%) were mitigated. Monthly reflection meetings-built staff morale, resulting in a reduction of accidents from 1,499 to 1,175 cases (21.6%), injuries from 1,798 to 1,506 cases (16.2%), and fatalities from 42 to 39 cases (7.1%). Risky behaviors, such as alcohol consumption and not wearing helmets, decreased during both normal periods and festivals. And 3) The key success factors included strong collaboration among the District Road Safety Operations Center committees, local authorities, department heads, health officers, village health volunteers, sub-district leaders, and the community. All parties worked together in an integrated manner from planning and implementation to monitoring and reflection resulting in effective and sustainable road safety outcomes.

Conclusion and recommendations: The road accident prevention mechanism in Nadun District was driven through full participation from all sectors, involving shared responsibility, joint planning, problem-solving, and action. Key success factors included clear appointment orders, systematic planning and implementation, strong support from administrators, staff motivation, and continuous positive supervision and monitoring. The entire process was summarized as the NADUN Model (N = Network, A = Action, D = Development, U = Unity, N = No Accident), meaning “Development and action with full participation of all partners as one unit to achieve sustainable road safety”.