How deadly driving habits define a nation

Published: 4 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The New Year traffic continued its deadly trend despite intensified official efforts to put a lid on the number of accidents. According to official reports, the seven-day period over the New Year from Dec 27 last year to Wednesday saw 3,176 accidents, 83 more than last year.

The number of deaths was reported at 365, 29 over last year, and the number of injured at 3,329, 46 fewer than last year.

As usual, motorcyclists made up the largest group involved in the accidents while drink driving and speeding were reported to be the two leading causes.

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Rex

Discussion 6 : 07 Jan 2013 at 15.256
The people who can make a difference don't read these posts. Any way, on with my bit for those who can't make a difference. Get an in car camera. Front and rear view models start about 3500 baht. It won't stop the idiot crashing into you, but it might save your fundamental orifice in court.
from iPhone application.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 5 : 04 Jan 2013 at 21.015
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I had been driving since I was 16, yet I had to take the written and driving tests. My wife did not even know how to drive, but she was issued a driving licence because she was a civil servant. (Fortunately, she is now a very good and careful driver.) I have seen this time after time. A phuyai gets a licence, buys a car and finally learns how to drive it.
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Victor
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Discussion 4 : 04 Jan 2013 at 19.344
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The 5% decrease of road deaths safety campaign is a joke as always.
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barryw
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Discussion 3 : 04 Jan 2013 at 17.343
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Dis#2 - last I read they were still waiting weeks later for the results of 'tests' - which have no doubt been lost.
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cpkinnally
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Discussion 2 : 04 Jan 2013 at 17.112
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Well said. Much of the attitude towards driving reflects the general attitude to corruption. There is close to zero respect for the law on almost all fronts in Thai society, from prostitution to traffic laws. Whatever happened to the young Red Bull fellow who mowed down a police officer in his sports car? Last I heard, he's off pretty much scot-free, apart from a little negative press for the family business. That fairly well illustrates what little significance the law has in Thailand.
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barryw
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Discussion 1 : 04 Jan 2013 at 14.501
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There is a simple way to reduce poor driving, deaths and accidents. Only allow properly trained drivers on the road, and enforce the law. Why is that so difficult in Thailand when it is the norm in the First World? Why does Thailand persist in being a Third World country when it comes to driving?
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How deadly driving habits define a nation | Bangkok Post: opinion