Sunday 20 November 2011 marks the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims where all those killed or injured in road traffic accidents are remembered, together with their families, the emergency services and all others affected or involved.

According to the Royal Thai Police, in 2010, there were 83,261 reported road traffic accidents in Thailand resulting in 7,468 fatalities plus 14,646 injuries and 3,544 serious injuries. Also in 2010 about 10% of all deaths of British nationals in Thailand were due to road traffic accidents. So far this year 17 British nationals have died in road traffic accidents in Thailand and a further 36 have been seriously injured. About 70% of all road traffic fatalities in Thailand involved motorbikes. On Koh Samui alone there were 7 deaths of British Nationals last year caused by motorbike accidents.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said, ?Road traffic accidents have far reaching effects on both the individual and their families. Not all tragedies are avoidable but many lives could be saved and critical injuries avoided, if people took the same precautions abroad that they take at home.

Our consular team helps the families of those that die in road traffic accidents and also regularly assist patients suffering from severe head and brain injuries caused by motorbike accidents. Sadly some of these people are left with life changing, debilitating injuries. Their families often have the additional worry of mounting hospital bills as either the motorbike?s engine size or the failure to wear a crash helmet invalidates most travel insurance policies."

British nationals involved in an accident and needing consular assistance from the British Embassy can call 02 305 8333 and my consular team will do all they can to help. For more information on how to prepare yourself for driving abroad, visit the British Embassy's website