Electric tricycles have become a common sight in communities, serving as a popular vehicle choice for seniors that offers convenience. However, they hide "hidden dangers," leading many to nickname them "inheritance accelerators" if used carelessly or improperly.
The Thairath Online special report explores statistics on elderly fatalities from road accidents, along with safety equipment and precautions.
Data from the Accident Reduction Network Office reveals that elderly deaths from road accidents have doubled when comparing 2018 to 2024.
The fatality breakdown by behavior is as follows:
81% died as drivers.
13.6% died as passengers.
4.9% died while walking.
The main vehicle causing these fatalities is motorcycles, accounting for 82%, including widely used electric tricycles today.
Electric tricycles cannot be registered with the Department of Land Transport, placing them in a "legal vacuum" with no protection in accidents. Driving them on highways or main roads can incur fines up to 10,000 baht.
However, risky behaviors by elderly drivers are often observed in society, including:
1. Driving on highways and lingering in the right lane at speeds mismatched with larger vehicles, causing traffic obstruction.
2. Riding against traffic, disregarding traffic laws, thinking short distances are safe but risking collisions.
3. Cutting in front of other vehicles due to impaired distance judgment from aging eyesight.
4. Lacking safety equipment, leaving no protection in emergencies.
1. Helmet to protect the head from impact.
2. Seat belt to secure the body to the vehicle.
3. Anti-tip wheels to prevent rollover on slopes or during strong acceleration.
4. Armrests and side support seats to help stabilize elderly riders.
5. LED lights with warning sounds to enhance visibility and alert other vehicles.
Regular health checks, especially vision and hearing, for elderly users.
Training to ensure familiarity with accelerator and brake controls.
Use only safe, familiar routes such as villages or small alleys; strictly avoid main roads.
Avoid nighttime driving to prevent poor visibility and accidents in blind spots.
Respect traffic laws: no riding against traffic, no sudden turns, and no cutting off other vehicles.
Besides strict law enforcement to prevent accidents, public education and sales regulation are necessary, ensuring buyers—especially the elderly—understand safety measures to promote safe driving.