Group demands better safety for pedestrians using Thailand’s zebra crossings

[snoop1130]

 

A group of activists campaigning for a better quality of life, about 30 of whom are former victims of road accidents, gathered in front of Government House today (Wednesday) to submit a petition, addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, urging the government to take steps to ensure safety for pedestrians using zebra crossings, following a recent high-profile accident that left a pedestrian dead.

 

The group, holding up placards urging increased safety at zebra crossings, proposed stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including treating a fatal accident on zebra crossing as a murder, the setting of speed limits in urban areas 30km per hour, increasing fines for road accidents and making zebra crossings much safer.

 

The group also proposed that the government expresses condolences to the family of the dead victim, known as “Doctor Kratai”, who was an eye specialist at Chulalongkorn University. The 33-year-old was hit by a big bike, being ridden at high speed by a crowd control police officer, as she was on a zebra crossing in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district on January 21st. The perpetrator has surrendered to police.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/group-demands-better-safety-for-pedestrians-using-zebra-crossings/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-26

 

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[Dmaxdan]

Good on them but I fear their demands will fall on deaf ears.

Because for things to change for the better, the government will have to get off their backsides and actually do something constructive rather than just it's normal proposals that never reach fruition.

[Crossy]

Yup ^^^.

 

And it's not just Thailand.

 

Many Eastern countries have similar issues with zebra crossings simply being indicators to where the ambulance can pick up its next passenger.

 

I've even had drivers accelerate when I've been crossing (in India as it happens).

 

I needs a whole generation or two to be re-educated, it simply isn't going to happen ???? 

[Capella]

Zebra crossings in Thailand may as well not exist.

[tandor]

12 hours ago, Capella said:

Zebra crossings in Thailand may as well not exist.

...unfair to say that..you cannot and should not give into erratic driver behaviour...policing, fining and education is the answer.

[Orinoco]

Thais need to change there ways on many issues.

but they won't.

TIT.

 

[arithai12]

Driving around yesterday I noticed a distinctly different attitude towards pedestrians attempting to cross. They even stopped for me when I tried to cross the street, never happened before. Let's hope it's a trend and not a fad. Best way to honor the lady's memory.

Edited January 27, 2022 by arithai12

[2long]

It's safer to NOT HAVE zebra crossings, simply because the gullible pedestrians could have a false sense of security (or priority). The roads here are lethal, and as Crossy says, it needs a whole generation of change to make any difference.

[jacko45k]

5 minutes ago, 2long said:

It's safer to NOT HAVE zebra crossings, simply because the gullible pedestrians could have a false sense of security (or priority). The roads here are lethal, and as Crossy says, it needs a whole generation of change to make any difference.

I would not say gullible... completely the wrong word, maybe naïve. Certainly tourists from the UK are likely to arrive expecting traffic to stop for them when using a zebra crossing, or even one with lights (Pelican?).... we all know local drivers do not do his.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, Dmaxdan said:

Good on them but I fear their demands will fall on deaf ears.

Because for things to change for the better, the government will have to get off their backsides and actually do something constructive rather than just it's normal proposals that never reach fruition.

Ole fatties more concerned about what's on the menu for lunch.

[cardinalblue]

Clearly the #1 problem with drivers and pedestrians is the lack of driver education…

 

drivers show no respect nor the right a way to pedestrians…

 

think when you are in a parking lot or structure and the drivers zip on by when it is obvious that you want to cross over to the other side…

 

it is not even in their thought process where they should be making eye contact with pedestrians telling them you may cross in front of me…

 

it is like the pedestrian is not even there…I am a car and have have all rights and privileges….bug off

 

it sums up thai drivers and most westerners who drive here - all about me and not driving as one part of a system 

Edited January 27, 2022 by cardinalblue

[Orinoco]

Just now, cardinalblue said:

it is like the pedestrian is not even there…I am a car and have have all rights and privileges….bug off

 

it sums up thai drivers and most westerners who drive here - all about me and not driving as one part of a system 

BS. about westerners who drive here.

 

 

 

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Orinoco

[Capella]

2 hours ago, tandor said:

...unfair to say that..you cannot and should not give into erratic driver behaviour...policing, fining and education is the answer.

Good luck with that.

[Mr Meeseeks]

It's 'cultural'.

 

It's what happens when you go from riding on the back of a buffalo in a rice paddy to a agricultural vehicle advertised and sold as a sports car (pickup with racing stripes) in under a generation. Driver education, competency management, enforcement among other factors are all missing. 

 

Good luck on changing it. Thais I know get angry when I comment on their poor driving, so now I refrain from doing so. 

 

Nearly every day on my commute to and from work I see an accident. Seeing someone doing something dangerous and stupid is guaranteed on every journey even just nipping to the 7/11.

 

I would suggest that adopting many of the systems that have been successful in countries like UK, Australia and Singapore would go some way in improving the situation here, but again, they just don't want to be told. They know best, so Hell mend them.