More Heavy Rain Forecast After Traffic Chaos In Bangkok

[webfact]

More heavy rain forecast after traffic chaos in Bangkok

By The Nation

Unseasonable showers will continue to soak Greater Bangkok today before the winter's cool weather returns, according to the Meteorological Department.

"It's not often that rain falls in December but this is not something unexpected. It has nothing to do with climate change or global warming," said Somchai Bai-muang, deputy director-general of the department.

Rain will linger because a westerly trough still prevails over the upper part of the country, he said.

Early yesterday, torrential downpours surprised Bangkok commuters who found themselves stuck in traffic jams for hours.

At least 284 road accidents were reported in the capital, killing three people and injuring 44.

"At the time of the accidents, roads were slippery because of the rain," said Jaiton Sriwangpon, a host for the FM91 Traffic Pro radio station.

Heavy rain began pouring down at 1am. By the time commuters left home for work or school, many roads were flooded and treacherous.

Among them were major arteries such as Sukhumvit and Ratchadaphisek.

"When faced with slippery conditions, some drivers get easily panicked and apply the brakes suddenly. Vehicles that follow then hit theirs from behind, causing pile-ups," Jaiton said.

The roads with the most crashes were Ratchadaphisek, Ramkhaemhaeng, Rama IX, Vibhavadi-Rangsit, Paholyothin, Pattanakarn, Borommaratchachonnanee and Teparak.

Apart from accidents, the heavy rain caused a traffic nightmare.

Jaiton said the tailback on the inbound lanes of Bang Na-Trat Road stretched as far as kilometre marker 3. Inbound Sukhumvit Road was backed up all the way to Provincial Hall, she said.

"Traffic jams were also reported on Srinakharin, Paholyothin, Phetchaburi, Thon Buri, North Sathorn and Charan Sanitwong roads," she said.

The traffic congestion dragged on almost until noon. Many workers arrived at their offices late.

Yesterday was the first workday after the long weekend that started on Friday. Those who were returning from their holiday to the Mor Chit bus terminal were stuck inside the station because of the rain and insufficient taxis and transport to get around.

-- The Nation 2010-12-14

[apollo13]

shouldn't that read 'more traffic chaos after heavy rain forecast in Bangkok' ?

[asiawatcher]

If Thai's were taught to drive rather than use roads, this would be reduced to a minimum. Hogging lanes, overtaking where no lane exists, driving too fast for conditions = "When faced with slippery conditions, some drivers get easily panicked and apply the brakes suddenly. Vehicles that follow then hit theirs from behind, causing pile-ups," Jaiton said.

The roads with the most crashes were Ratchadaphisek, Ramkhaemhaeng, Rama IX, Vibhavadi-Rangsit, Paholyothin, Pattanakarn, Borommaratchachonnanee and Teparak. Apart from accidents, the heavy rain caused a traffic nightmare."

The sooner driver education starts the less accidents will happen. Having idiots behind wheels is like putting a gun in a madman's hand and expecting nothing to happen.

[whybother]

shouldn't that read 'more traffic chaos after heavy rain forecast in Bangkok' ?

No. There was traffic chaos because of the heavy rain, and there is more heavy rain forecast.

But anyway, given the amount of rain in Bangkok all the time, you would think that people would know how to drive in it and how to deal with it? It seems that even a small amount of rain causes traffic problems.

[apollo13]

shouldn't that read 'more traffic chaos after heavy rain forecast in Bangkok' ?

No. There was traffic chaos because of the heavy rain, and there is more heavy rain forecast.

But anyway, given the amount of rain in Bangkok all the time, you would think that people would know how to drive in it and how to deal with it? It seems that even a small amount of rain causes traffic problems.

More heavy rain and traffic chaos forecast in Bangkok

[phaethon]

There's traffic chaos whenever there is any amount of rain. Someone spills a bottle of water at Ploen Chit and the traffic backs-up to Chonburi...

[THAILIBAN]

shouldn't that read 'more traffic chaos after heavy rain forecast in Bangkok' ?

No. There was traffic chaos because of the heavy rain, and there is more heavy rain forecast.

But anyway, given the amount of rain in Bangkok all the time, you would think that people would know how to drive in it and how to deal with it? It seems that even a small amount of rain causes traffic problems.

More heavy rain and traffic chaos forecast in Bangkok

as this was the only severe downpour in the past six week, nothing much to worry about it.

I really LOVE the weather in BKK