ROAD SAFETY ON TOURISM ROUTES IN SI THEP WORLD HERITAGE CITY, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

        This study aims to investigate the road accident situation on tourist routes leading to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Si Thep District, Phetchabun Province, and to identify road risk points for analysis. The study also analyzes the causes of road accidents by applying the Hiyari Hatto technique from local residents, leading to the suggestions of appropriate guidelines for accident prevention. In-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including village heads and rescue workers in the study area. The findings revealed that the roads leading to the World Heritage Site of Si Thep District, specifically the Si Thep Historical Park and Khao Khlang Nok, have 11 high-risk points. These are mostly curves and intersections, often lacking curve or intersection warning signs, stop signs, and clear stop lines. Other issues include uneven road surfaces, trees and weeds obstructing visibility, insufficient lighting at night, and the high speeds of most vehicles, which are cars and motorcycles. Therefore, guidelines for improvement were proposed to reduce the risk of future accidents.