Did you know that Thailand has one of the highest rates of vehicle and motorcycle accidents involving 'rear-ending or side-colliding with trucks'? The average occurrence is once a week, or over 60 times per year. Given the distinct difference in structure, size, height, and strength between trucks and smaller vehicles, such as cars, pickups, and motorcycles, smaller vehicles easily rear-end or slide under the sides of trucks. Thailand should mandate the installation of Rear Underrun Protective Devices (RUPD) and Lateral Protective Devices (LPD) on trucks to minimize the risk of under-running or sliding under the vehicle in the event of a collision with a smaller vehicle.

     The Department of Land Transport, in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) via the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), and partners have developed policies and equipment to reduce the severity of 'rear-ending or side-colliding with trucks' accidents. This initiative is designed to enhance safety and reduce injury or fatality rates from accidents in accordance with United Nations (UN) vehicle regulations currently in use in Europe and many Asian countries. In Thailand, the research team has applied the UN vehicle regulations UN R73 and UN R58, which are safety standards for side and rear protective devices for trucks, respectively, as guidelines for engineering design, analysis, and testing.

     The research team has developed engineering designs for various parts of the Rear Underrun Protective Device (RUPD) and Lateral Protective Device (LPD) which manufacturers can choose to produce. Over 90 designs have been created in total. Manufacturers can select connectors (Spacer/Bracket & Support), crossbars (Protective beam/Cross section/Beam section), and fasteners (Stay/Chassis attachment) as per their requirements. A technique called 'Morphological Matrix' has been used to develop diverse sets of combined-function equipment kits that are suitable for the specific characteristics of trucks in Thailand. Additionally, progress has been made towards the development of a directive on 'Specifications and conditions for installing side and rear protective devices on vehicles used for transporting animals or goods.' This considers both international safety standards and the specific conditions and requirements of trucks in Thailand, as well as the readiness of manufacturers to install these devices. The task force has reached a consensus and expects to issue a directive by mid-year, with enforcement expected to begin next year (January 2024).

Data updated on May 9, 2023
Source: National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
Tel. +66 2564 7000