Bad Drivers Phuket

[F1fanatic]

How about you car drivers give us bike riders a bit more clearance when you pass.

Maybe passing us then slamming on the brakes so you can turn left making us have to break sharply, too is also something you can avoid?

Also, don't purposely block off the extreme left hand-side used by bikes at traffic lights, we want to get to the front.

Car drivers, have you noticed that at most sets of lights there is a box with squiggly writing in it? It says motorbikes only, so, stay out of it.

How about actually waiting until the road is clear before pulling out of a soi, instead of slowly edging out making all the vehicles on the main road first dodge around you, then stop.

Motorbike riders do not have the monopoly when it comes to bad and inconsiderate driving.

Thank you! I had always assumed the 'squiggly' writing meant motorbikes only, but didn't know.

Personally, I always move in front of the cars at traffic lights - and enjoy (embarrassingly), leaving them in my dust at traffic lights.

[F1fanatic]

I got 17k km on my 125cc bike and i cannot remember any Thai trying to test my driving skills. I must say that traffic here aint that bad. Perhaps it has something to do with my 10 years of living in India/Bangladesh prior to my stay here in Thailand. Compared to these countries, traffic here goes smooth as silk

The alcohol usage of people here does concern me from time to time though

Yes, coming from the UK, I've no doubt its 'cos you spent 10 years in India etc...

BUT, once you get used to it I find driving here far easier. Assume every one else is an idiot and can do ANYTHING, and you won't go far wrong.

In the West, we assume everyone else will not do something stupid, and that is how accidents are created....

[F1fanatic]

prob me, i hit a farang's bike on the bypass few months ago when he wasnt in the shoulder and i was trying to pass someone by the left lane because he was going 40 in the right lane as they always do

Tanuki. Drive faster or further left and if you see an obstacle then stop and wait for cars to pass you if you're a slow driver. If you'Re trying to do a uturn on the right side of the road, wait untill you are next to the uturn lane before switching from the shoulder to the middle lanes instead of pissing off everyone driving at 30kph in the fast lane.

If you follow those simple rules, you wont ever be too close to a moving car.

That thing near your foot is called a brake. Try using it some time. Sideswipe me and youll be looking under your car for your teeth.

Stay out of the right lane and you should be OK.

Drift over and its your fault if you get swiped and left grazed and bruised.

The rules should be, keep left if you don't intend to go over 80kph. Simple.

Its not that simple...

My normal speed is around 80 on my scooter, but I stay in the left lane unless I need to overtake.

Mind you, I adjust my speed according to the traffic and visibility.

[F1fanatic]

I love all the do gooders in this forum....explaining the road rules and what good drivers you are, these same people posting about go go bars and cheap beers. Just got on question for you.

As there is no public transport and bugger all taxis in Rawaii, Chalong, Kata and Nai Harn...... you guys would never drink and drive right?

Rubbish. I know when I'm drinking its time to book a taxi. If you want the 'phone number of an excellent taxi driver who always turns up in Rawai/Chalong (unless he tells you in advance he cannot make it) - PM me.

[F1fanatic]

What if the road isn't clear as I get close to the place I have to U-turn and I am close to the shoulder?

You expect me to stop?

You haven't a clue.

I've been riding small bikes on Phuket for over 25 years and you?

If by the time you are ready to turn the lane isnt clear, it means that if you had moved into the fast lane you would be currently blocking traffic and creating mayhem therefore you should of driven faster or moved to the left and waited for an opening instead of being a lost senile man hovering left and right in the traffic.

I agree. As I normally drive in the left hand lane, even though I'm driving around 80 on my scooter, I start looking for a gap in the traffic way ahead if I want to turn right.

If the gap isn't there, I slow down on the shoulder, stop, and wait for a gap before moving right.

[snamos]

I love all the do gooders in this forum....explaining the road rules and what good drivers you are, these same people posting about go go bars and cheap beers. Just got on question for you. As there is no public transport and bugger all taxis in Rawaii, Chalong, Kata and Nai Harn...... you guys would never drink and drive right?

Rubbish. I know when I'm drinking its time to book a taxi. If you want the 'phone number of an excellent taxi driver who always turns up in Rawai/Chalong (unless he tells you in advance he cannot make it) - PM me.

Your one in a million! but judging from your post you do drink and drive

[F1fanatic]

Your one in a million! but judging from your post you do drink and drive

No. I did drink and drive a couple of times before realising that it was not only stupid but pointless.

Its easy to drive slowly on a scooter when you're pissed and on the main Chalong/Rawai road, but why take the chance when you can get a taxi driver so cheaply?

Nowadays, I have to be drinking unexpectedly and had less than 5 or so glasses to drive home rather than calling a taxi.

[thaiIand]

snamos like most other people arguing against me in here have told countless time that their lives resolve around drinking and spending their retirement on hostesses, you cant expect them to be rational about it.

Most people i know realized after turning 22-23 that driving drunk is dumb and they all stopped and if they are drunk and have no other option they will wait until it wears of to a safe road legal buzz. But doing this involves having the mental capacity to think about the consequences of an accident.

[snamos]

snamos like most other people arguing against me in here have told countless time that their lives resolve around drinking and spending their retirement on hostesses, you cant expect them to be rational about it.

Most people i know realized after turning 22-23 that driving drunk is dumb and they all stopped and if they are drunk and have no other option they will wait until it wears of to a safe road legal buzz. But doing this involves having the mental capacity to think about the consequences of an accident.

Im 34 years old

[LivinginKata]

6 posts removed. Last warning. Everyone get back to the topic about 'Bad drivers in Phuket'. Stop slamming other members. Further inflammatory posts will be removed without further explanation. And thereafter this topic will be closed.

update /// off topic posts also weeded out

[snamos]

Perhaps people should notify the police next time they see something illegal on the road.

[snamos]

The reason I brought up about the drink driving is because some of the posters that are most adamant about obeying the road rules here are amazingly silent when it comes to the subject of alcohol on the road...of the other few Ive noticed:

One admits to drink driving but only if he/she has had less than 4 or 5 bevies....so in theory they should be waiting at least 2 hours before driving home.

Another admits to drink driving before but not now...the honest thief argument

And another has stated that their reflexes are as good if not better when they have had a few.

What are the opinions of the rest of the Thaivisa gang? No one else on this forumdrinks and drives on the roads in Phuket? Does this contribute to a lot of accidents or is it mainly speeding?

[kenny999]

The reason I brought up about the drink driving is because some of the posters that are most adamant about obeying the road rules here are amazingly silent when it comes to the subject of alcohol on the road...of the other few Ive noticed:

One admits to drink driving but only if he/she has had less than 4 or 5 bevies....so in theory they should be waiting at least 2 hours before driving home.

Another admits to drink driving before but not now...the honest thief argument

And another has stated that their reflexes are as good if not better when they have had a few.

What are the opinions of the rest of the Thaivisa gang? No one else on this forumdrinks and drives on the roads in Phuket? Does this contribute to a lot of accidents or is it mainly speeding?

Mate stop trying to justify your drinking and driving, there are many that have the sense and consideration not to do this stupid thing, many people drink and drive but the intelligent people realize quickly that it is wrong, yes it is wrong and there is no argument against it !!!! drinking impairs your reactions full stop no argument against it, drinking makes you brave and you think you are better than other drivers, no argument against it, drinking kills, no argument against it, drinking and driving just because you are in Thailand is wrong, no argument against it. so if you want to carry on driving whilst drunk be our guest just try not to kill any one!!!

Drink driving makes a person as dangerous as a loaded gun waiting to go off !!

You imply many times that people are not telling the truth, any one that posts facts that are not true about them selves are suffering from very low self esteem, many people have sad private lives and for them forums are the place to create a persona they would like to have, up to them !!! again drink driving is WRONG there is absolutely no argument you can make to dispute this fact!!

Edited December 3, 2011 by kenny999

[Valentine]

The reason I brought up about the drink driving is because some of the posters that are most adamant about obeying the road rules here are amazingly silent when it comes to the subject of alcohol on the road...of the other few Ive noticed:

One admits to drink driving but only if he/she has had less than 4 or 5 bevies....so in theory they should be waiting at least 2 hours before driving home.

Another admits to drink driving before but not now...the honest thief argument

And another has stated that their reflexes are as good if not better when they have had a few.

What are the opinions of the rest of the Thaivisa gang? No one else on this forumdrinks and drives on the roads in Phuket? Does this contribute to a lot of accidents or is it mainly speeding?

The speed that thrills is the speed that kills although no doubt driving/riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also a big contributor but I would not think it is number one.

[snamos]

<br />

<br />The reason I brought up about the drink driving is because some of the posters that are most adamant about obeying the road rules here are amazingly silent when it comes to the subject of alcohol on the road...of the other few Ive noticed:<br /><br /><br />One admits to drink driving but only if he/she has had less than 4 or 5 bevies....so in theory they should be waiting at least 2 hours before driving home.<br /><br />Another admits to drink driving before but not now...the honest thief argument<br /><br />And another has stated that their reflexes are as good if not better when they have had a few.<br /><br />What are the opinions of the rest of the Thaivisa gang? No one else on this forumdrinks and drives on the roads in Phuket? Does this contribute to a lot of accidents or is it mainly speeding?<br />

<br /><br />Mate stop trying to justify your drinking and driving, there are many that have the sense and consideration not to do this stupid thing, many people drink and drive but the intelligent   people realize quickly that it is wrong, yes it is wrong and there is no argument against it !!!!  drinking impairs your reactions full stop no argument against it, drinking makes you brave and you think you are better than other drivers, no argument against it, drinking kills, no argument against it, drinking and driving just because you are in Thailand is wrong, no argument against it. so if you want to carry on driving whilst drunk be our guest just try not to kill any one!!! <br /><br />Drink driving makes a person as dangerous as a loaded gun waiting to go off !! <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br /><br />You imply many times that people are not telling the truth, any one that posts  facts that are not true about them selves are suffering from very low self esteem, many people have sad private lives and for them forums are the place to create a persona they would like to have, up to them !!! again drink driving is WRONG there is absolutely no argument you can make to dispute this fact!!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Normally i get the missus to pick me up when Im having a few bevvies, anyways Kenny, calm down or the old ticker might go. Pretty much I am what I am...a few people in this forum know me outside of Thaivisa and can verify I am the man who I say I am. Anyways I would love to see another Thaivisa get together, talk about the benefits of imposing more laws on Phukets roads....see if it will make a difference . I noticed most people at the last one at Ricks werent shy about grabbing their car keys and driving home....I got a lift from the G/Friend that night

[kenny999]

The question needs to be asked... why do people drink and drive.

1. Thailand has virtually no policing on the roads which makes drinking and driving something you can do and get away with.

2. Laziness, can not be bothered to get a taxi, bus etc

3, they do not want other people to drive(designated driver

4, they have no thought about the consequences of an accident and do not care.

Just a few reasons there are many more...

[snamos]

<br />The question needs to be asked... why do people drink and drive.<br /><br />1. Thailand has virtually no policing on the roads which makes drinking and driving something you can do and get away with.<br /><br />2. Laziness, can not be bothered to get a taxi, bus etc<br /><br />3, they do not want other people to drive(designated driver<br /><br />4, they have no thought about the consequences of an accident and do not care.<br /><br />Just a few reasons there are many more...<br /><br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Lack of public transport,

[kenny999]

<br />

<br />The reason I brought up about the drink driving is because some of the posters that are most adamant about obeying the road rules here are amazingly silent when it comes to the subject of alcohol on the road...of the other few Ive noticed:<br /><br /><br />One admits to drink driving but only if he/she has had less than 4 or 5 bevies....so in theory they should be waiting at least 2 hours before driving home.<br /><br />Another admits to drink driving before but not now...the honest thief argument<br /><br />And another has stated that their reflexes are as good if not better when they have had a few.<br /><br />What are the opinions of the rest of the Thaivisa gang? No one else on this forumdrinks and drives on the roads in Phuket? Does this contribute to a lot of accidents or is it mainly speeding?<br />

<br /><br />Mate stop trying to justify your drinking and driving, there are many that have the sense and consideration not to do this stupid thing, many people drink and drive but the intelligent people realize quickly that it is wrong, yes it is wrong and there is no argument against it !!!! drinking impairs your reactions full stop no argument against it, drinking makes you brave and you think you are better than other drivers, no argument against it, drinking kills, no argument against it, drinking and driving just because you are in Thailand is wrong, no argument against it. so if you want to carry on driving whilst drunk be our guest just try not to kill any one!!! <br /><br />Drink driving makes a person as dangerous as a loaded gun waiting to go off !! <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br /><br />You imply many times that people are not telling the truth, any one that posts facts that are not true about them selves are suffering from very low self esteem, many people have sad private lives and for them forums are the place to create a persona they would like to have, up to them !!! again drink driving is WRONG there is absolutely no argument you can make to dispute this fact!!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Normally i get the missus to pick me up when Im having a few bevvies, anyways Kenny, calm down or the old ticker might go. Pretty much I am what I am...a few people in this forum know me outside of Thaivisa and can verify I am the man who I say I am. Anyways I would love to see another Thaivisa get together, talk about the benefits of imposing more laws on Phukets roads....see if it will make a difference . I noticed most people at the last one at Ricks werent shy about grabbing their car keys and driving home....I got a lift from the G/Friend that night

Nothing wrong with my ticker well I hope not anyway !! we all know people drink and drive unfortunately it is a way of life and will never be stopped, as I said before I expect 99.9% have driven whilst drunk and most still do it's a personal choice..

Edited December 3, 2011 by kenny999

[snamos]

I reckon that Pattaya would have lower statistics on drink driving accidents as the public transport system there is so easy (But it is a shytehole). The baht busses are a great system and the taxis are cheap.....Ive never even bothered to hire a car or bike when Ive been there.Bangkok is the same...no need to drive when the public transport isnt a rip off

[kenny999]

I reckon that Pattaya would have lower statistics on drink driving accidents as the public transport system there is so easy (But it is a shytehole). The baht busses are a great system and the taxis are cheap.....Ive never even bothered to hire a car or bike when Ive been there.Bangkok is the same...no need to drive when the public transport isnt a rip off

Slightly off topic, I have been to Pattaya once and I agree it is a pit !!

[TigerWan]

Again no thailand. Bike rider sees upcoming shoulder obstruction, checks rearview to be sure lane is clear, moves over to get around obstruction, but then speedy Gonzalez thailand who has decided to pass on the left because he's in such a hurry, then appears out of nowhere and has to break.

Oh no, wait, you already stated you then get so close to the rider that you almost hit them. Both the passing on the left, and getting close to rider stated by you in previous posts.

I stick to my earlier comment regarding the way you view your own road rules here.

and I fully support those comments

thailand, would you run over pedestrians on the right side waiting to cross the road too?

Agree.

Both "Thailand's" views on driving safety , and his demeanor here toward fellow posters are ill mannered , even reprehensible. Motorcycles have as much right to the road as cars, no matter the wealth of the driver.

[thaiIand]

Again no thailand. Bike rider sees upcoming shoulder obstruction, checks rearview to be sure lane is clear, moves over to get around obstruction, but then speedy Gonzalez thailand who has decided to pass on the left because he's in such a hurry, then appears out of nowhere and has to break.

Oh no, wait, you already stated you then get so close to the rider that you almost hit them. Both the passing on the left, and getting close to rider stated by you in previous posts.

I stick to my earlier comment regarding the way you view your own road rules here.

and I fully support those comments

thailand, would you run over pedestrians on the right side waiting to cross the road too?

Agree.

Both "Thailand's" views on driving safety , and his demeanor here toward fellow posters are ill mannered , even reprehensible. Motorcycles have as much right to the road as cars, no matter the wealth of the driver.

the average poster here clearly lacks the mental capacity to understand that a SCOOTER being so small and slow have completely different right than cars. If they had the same rights, well you get roads full of mayhem.

How are the roads in thailand? Because motorbikes think they have the same rights as cars. Theres a reason why there is no scooter allowed in the west on highways and that on medium roads they need to stay in the side lane and FOLLOW traffic instead of making their own pace and cutting everyone left and right.

Its simple logic.

How come when i ride my bike i do not irritate or block any drivers, i do not ever make a car use their breaks just for me? Am i 500 iq points above earth level or are the majority of posters just brain dead?

Edited December 3, 2011 by thaiIand

[TigerWan]

^

Disagree strongly, All road users have the same rights. A motorcycle that needs to be in the right lane for whatever legitimate reason, having to turn right for instance means another driver has to give them right of way and in a safe manner. That's the law and if it were followed, along with the other laws, a lot less carnage would be happening on Phuket roads.

No respect for others or inertia is the norm, it seems amongst most drivers.

I'm curious "Thailand", are you by chance Thai?

Edited December 3, 2011 by TigerWan

[katabeachbum]

^

Disagree strongly, All road users have the same rights. A motorcycle that needs to be in the right lane for whatever legitimate reason, having to turn right for instance means another driver has to give them right of way and in a safe manner. That's the law and if it were followed, along with the other laws, a lot less carnage would be happening on Phuket roads.

No respect for others or inertia is the norm, it seems amongst most drivers.

I'm curious "Thailand", are you by chance Thai?

yep, agree the law and a few decades of traffic tradition in this country is clear, any vehicle from 100cc to 10.000cc needing to move to right lane to overtake left lane vehicle/obstacle or turn right/u-turn, has the right to do so if indicator used. If car already in right lane hits him from behind, cardriver is at fault and needs to face the consequenses

Share the road :jap:

Farang, please adapt

[kenny999]

^

Disagree strongly, All road users have the same rights. A motorcycle that needs to be in the right lane for whatever legitimate reason, having to turn right for instance means another driver has to give them right of way and in a safe manner. That's the law and if it were followed, along with the other laws, a lot less carnage would be happening on Phuket roads.

No respect for others or inertia is the norm, it seems amongst most drivers.

I'm curious "Thailand", are you by chance Thai?

yep, agree the law and a few decades of traffic tradition in this country is clear, any vehicle from 100cc to 10.000cc needing to move to right lane to overtake left lane vehicle/obstacle or turn right/u-turn, has the right to do so if indicator used. If car already in right lane hits him from behind, cardriver is at fault and needs to face the consequenses

Share the road :jap:

Farang, please adapt

Absolutely right and I adapted soon after I came here 2 1/2 years ago, love driving my bike and car here and not once have I had a problem with any one!!!

[eriksen]

I drive in Phuket daily. Chalong Circle Warrior etc. Too much driving as of late. One week 2 Patong trips, Big C Central, and this morning Hilton Karon... All from Rawai! I agree that high season is worse, a no brainer. I do also agree that so far this years traffic is worse. Its a combination of many holiday makers, motorbike users and us folks whom get more keyed up with the new hazzards. Plus the tour vans are on the money curve for the year so they are mo agrssive. Look, I posted earlier in this thread about a beater old tuk tuk that wanted to pass me heading out of Patong... The commericial passenger transport people are the problem, they are causing accidents everywhere. Travel from Rawai to Central and back, oyu'll see one. Yesterday a very portly

Russian wearing only a budgie smugler skidded out of contro in the Lotus car park. He traveled 3m with the bike on one leg.. I just drove on. In Patong by the temple ther was a fast bike (aka crotch rocket) turned over with the driver and lady rider in only swim wear. Two solutions are to first control the passenger trade. An op mentioned something about no moving violation stops. Traffic is a moving violation. You'll not get anywhere if you emulate the traffic safety video at Land T office.....

I do have to say that control the retal market is most important! No Motorbike lic no rental.. Never happen. Solution for expats. Drive a big truck with alot of power, you'll need it

I have to say sure, the truck feel safe, but when the &lt;deleted&gt; brake hard meters from the front/or pull out and I have to slam on the brakes.. like just the other day in the modern pickup.. I was appalled how bad it slowed down.. my other car is a little sports car and I estimate it can slow down at more than double the pace... and as we all know it's the Farangs fault so I am actually a bit on edge driving the pickup thesedays..

[eriksen]

Perhaps people should notify the police next time they see something illegal on the road.

Lol... it all depends on what tea money is involved .....

[eriksen]

Joined 36 minutes ago and newbie pops open a massive can of worms !!!

Which was the thread where one poster says he purposely drives super close to motorbike riders to force them father left? Then it was flamefest.

I just basically got sideswiped while I was running around Nai Harn lagoon, so you needn't be on a bike or in a vehicle to get wiped out by a car here, and yes Tanuki, drivers here are pretty close to the worst, Thais and Fortuner Foreigners alike

There are some pretty stroppy Jazz drivers as well.

Fortuner Farangs.. ha.. yes indeed, driving home one night from the Roxanne bar group area down the hill away from the seaside, there was a Fortuna driving at fast walking speed, at first I am thinking he/she is looking for some location, then it wanders across to the other side of the road, then seeing the fence/ditch/shops then wanders back to the oppisote sid again and again.. I though Geez, never seen it so bad before... I accually consideres driving back to the beach and to chalong the other way... Toot, toot toot, but probably so tanked they could hear me... wow, unbeleivable..

[eriksen]

there's bad drivers everywhere, i don't think phuket is worse then any where else i've lived

Really? wheres that?

[stevenl]

and as we all know it's the Farangs fault so I am actually a bit on edge driving the pickup thesedays..

Why do people keep writing this kind of nonsense? The person responsible for an accident is the one that will have to take the blame, whereever he/she is from.