Multiple Collisions at 20 Pedestrian Crossings in Bangkok Raise Alarm

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

A concerning pattern of repeated incidents at 20 pedestrian crossings in Bangkok has come to light, with the majority of these dangerous locations situated near schools and hospitals. The problem was highlighted following a recent incident where a South Korean tourist, aged 68, was injured after being hit by a motorcycle at one such crossing, which had previously witnessed the tragic death of Dr. Waralak Supawatcharirakul, a renowned ophthalmologist, in 2022.

 

The collision took place near the Phumiratchakarn Hospital in the city’s central district. Dr. Supawatcharirakul was fatally struck by a motorcycle while crossing the road. The same crossing has now been the site of further collisions, raising questions about the safety of such locations and the ongoing issue of motorcycle-related incidents in Thailand.

 

Dr. Chamaiphan Santikarn, a former advisor on injury prevention and disability at the World Health Organization (WHO) for Southeast Asia, expressed concern over the lack of solutions to this ongoing issue. She pointed out that despite clear traffic signals being in place at these crossings, collisions continue to occur due to the absence of proper warning systems or speed-reduction measures.

 

In an interview, Dr. Santikarn noted that many drivers, particularly taxi drivers, reported that they were often unaware of pedestrian crossings until it was too late. “There is a lack of traffic signs or devices to alert drivers to slow down,” she explained. She recommended the installation of speed-reducing devices such as Optical Speed Bars (OSB) or rumble strips, which have been proven effective in slowing down traffic in high-risk areas.

 

Rumble strips, for example, are known to reduce accidents in two-lane roads by up to 64% and prevent vehicles from veering off the road by 36%, according to research. Dr. Santikarn emphasised that it is not difficult to implement these measures, citing successful examples from other countries, where such interventions have resulted in an immediate reduction in crashes.

 

Dr. Sasitid Chuchanom, a researcher with the project to drive Thailand towards motorcycle safety, highlighted the example of China’s ELLUMIN Intelligent Pedestrian System. This system enhances pedestrian crossings with additional lighting, sensors, and sound alerts to warn drivers when pedestrians are crossing. Similarly, South Korea has installed Smart Crosswalks equipped with sensors that detect pedestrians, particularly those distracted by their phones, and alert approaching vehicles with flashing lights and sounds.

 

According to recent data from CCTV surveillance, 20 locations across Bangkok continue to see frequent collisions and violations of pedestrian crossing signals. These include crossings near schools and hospitals, such as Bangkok Intercare Hospital, Yothinburana School, Phumiratchakarn Kidney Disease Institute, Chulalongkorn Hospital, and several others across the city.

 

Researchers from the motorcycle safety project plan to collaborate with Dr. Anirut and Mrs. Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul, the parents of Dr. Supawatcharirakul, the Crossing Project team, the media, the Bangkok governor, and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough survey and investigation of the problems. Together, they aim to recommend and implement effective preventive measures, to provide long-term solutions to improve pedestrian safety at these dangerous crossings.

 

-- 2025-02-09

 

[hotsun]

In thailand, having a big vehicle means you can do whatever you want. A lowly pedestrian has no rights and are at the mercy of thai drivers