Revellers are being urged to stop their vehicles before throwing water over pedestrians in a bid to reduce Songkran traffic accidents, as hospitals prepare emergency response measures and medical facilities.

The Royal Thai Police, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) and the network for improving quality of life have announced a joint campaign seeking cooperation from Songkran revellers to stop their vehicles before soaking pedestrians during the festival.

Passengers riding pillion on motorcycles and in the back of pickup trucks risk falling over while the vehicles are moving.

A 20-year-old man who identified himself as Art said he and other campaign volunteers would ask revellers in Nakhon Ratchasima to flag down vehicles and ask for permission before throwing water at or dabbing powder on the cheeks of those onboard.

He said the campaign also wants to put a stop to harassment. "This is a time to enjoy yourself. No one should be subjected to a horrible experience," he said.

Tee, Mr Art's friend, said people should know their limits and not put themselves in harm's way.

He said he and his friends refrain from going out later in the day if they are intoxicated.

Rung-aroon Limlahapan, THPF's director for social risk factor reduction, said 68% of road accidents last year were caused by or involved motorcycles. This was followed by pick-up trucks, at 12%.

The biggest cause of road accidents was speeding (36%), followed by drink driving (33%).

Public Health Ministry figures, show that in 2017, about 6,000 people suffered a physical disability as a result of road accidents. Of those, about 190 resulted from accidents during Songkran.

Meanwhile, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital has readied medical equipment and facilities, including operation theatres, for a possible rise in emergency cases during the festival.

The hospital has stocked up on medicine and is calling for blood donations. Dr Somchai Assawasudsakorn, the hospital director, said the hospital normally uses between 160 and 200 units a day. However, demand spiked to 900 units during Songkran last year. The hospital treated 693 people for road accident injuries, some of whom needed transfusions.

In Udon Thani, Dr Samit Prasannakarn of the provincial public health office, said his office will direct emergency medical responses, including dispatching ambulances and rescue vehicles to road accidents or other emergencies.

Dr Samit said every patient admitted to a local hospital after a road accident will need to take a breathalyser test. At least one police officer will be stationed at each hospital.

Also on Monday, motorists were being offered low-priced insurance for the Songkran festival, according to the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC).

It said the cheapest policy cost 10 baht, paying out up to 100,000 baht.