The never-ending PARADE of daredevils on Thai roads

[Krataiboy]

The disgraceful headline is a reflection of the problem underlying all attempts to get Thais to grow up. How can anyone expect kids to be deterred from risking their lives racing on public roads when they are described as "daredevils" in one of the country's most prestigious newspapers?

They are not daredevils, any more than the rest of the indigenous population that seems to regard roads as playgrounds instead of the potential death-traps. They are morons - and if I was the sub-editor charged with headlining this story, this is the word I would have used to describe the boy racers.

Having lived here nearly two decades, I have watched with horror the increasing carnage on the roads and the feeble response of successive governments to an appalling waste of human life - a national disgrace which could be drastically reduced by a few simple measures.

For starters, no driver of any kind of mechanised vehicle should be allowed on the road without having received proper instruction from a qualified professional - a measure which would help create jobs via driving schools. The laws on drink driving should be rigorously enforced all the time, not just during holidays, when in fact road deaths tend to be lower than average (probably because of the increased amount of police activity).

But the most obvious way to reduce motorcycle road deaths - by far the biggest problem - would be for parents to ensure they and their children always wear crash helmets. But that means behaving like a grown-up and accepting responsibility - which is probably a bridge too far.

Edited June 20, 2015 by Krataiboy

[phoenixdoglover]

The Royal Thai Police have between 230,000 and 250,000 employees. It is organized into the following major units:

1. Headquarters

2. Border Patrol

3. Central Investigation Bureau

4. Office of Immigration Bureau

5. Narcotics Suppression Bureau

6. Office of Logistics

7. Office of Royal Security Police

8. Provincial Police

9. Special Operations Units

10. Police Education Bureau

11. Tourist Police

12. Immigration Police Division

13. Marine Police Division

14. Metropolitan Police Division (Bangkok)

There are probably three things needed to improve road safety:

- Methods (all of which are well known)

- Money (it's not an expensive mission)

- Responsible/Accountable officials

Oh.

[Gutterboy]

The disgraceful headline is a reflection of the problem underlying all attempts to get Thais to grow up. How can anyone expect kids to be deterred from risking their lives racing on public roads when they are described as "daredevils" in one of the country's most prestigious newspapers?

They are not daredevils, any more than the rest of the indigenous population that seems to regard roads as playgrounds instead of the potential death-traps. They are morons - and if I was the sub-editor charged with headlining this story, this is the word I would have used to describe the boy racers.

Having lived here nearly two decades, I have watched with horror the increasing carnage on the roads and the feeble response of successive governments to an appalling waste of human life - a national disgrace which could be drastically reduced by a few simple measures.

For starters, no driver of any kind of mechanised vehicle should be allowed on the road without having received proper instruction from a qualified professional - a measure which would help create jobs via driving schools. The laws on drink driving should be rigorously enforced all the time, not just during holidays, when in fact road deaths tend to be lower than average (probably because of the increased amount of police activity).

But the most obvious way to reduce motorcycle road deaths - by far the biggest problem - would be for parents to ensure they and their children always wear crash helmets. But that means behaving like a grown-up and accepting responsibility - which is probably a bridge too far.

Spot on.

[z42]

Not sure if linking this site is banned, but this clip just shows everything that is so messed up with the driving standards here.. <snip>

Edited June 20, 2015 by Jai Dee
link to external site which contains pornography

[rametindallas]

Imagine how much money police could make if they actually enforced the rules all day, every day and not just when the mia nois or the bosses need topping up.

But that would require they get off their lazy ass and out of the air-conditioned booth. Even the police don't follow the helmet law.

.

[rametindallas]

The view I have of the roads and the traffic here, is that there is one rule that overrides every other one, there are no rules, it's simply every man for himself and the daily commute is nothing more than a game of chicken. We are living in a developing country and the people will eventually take heed, it may well be a few generations away, but it will happen. The one thing that I find intolerable is the common practice of ride in the wrong direction on the wrong side of the road, an absolute act of stupidity. Just last night, I was on the highway outside big C extra, in the matter of 20 minutes 3 bikes, 2 of which had no lights & all of which had helmet less riders, were travelling up the wrong side of the road.

Since they are Buddhists, they will die when Karma says and not before; no matter how foolish they behave. At least that seems to be the attitude.

.

[z42]

carnage on roads in Thailand will continue simply because there is not enough emphasis placed on safety . television is a good media for teaching rules of the road and in my opinion children should be taught in school .

The problem with that however is that a good many teachers I have seen actually come to school on motorcycles without helmets, breaking practically every road rule to get there quicker because they can due to being so high and mighty. And when actual primary school kids drive themselves to school on their personal motorcycle without any kind of challenge, then what hope is there. The war is lost already

[alanrchase]

carnage on roads in Thailand will continue simply because there is not enough emphasis placed on safety . television is a good media for teaching rules of the road and in my opinion children should be taught in school .

The problem with that however is that a good many teachers I have seen actually come to school on motorcycles without helmets, breaking practically every road rule to get there quicker because they can due to being so high and mighty. And when actual primary school kids drive themselves to school on their personal motorcycle without any kind of challenge, then what hope is there. The war is lost already

Would totally agree with that. Police need to go into the schools and tell them that from now on anyone arriving underage/no licence/no helmet will be fined. On day one would probably cause traffic chaos but so be it.

[seajae]

when the majority think the mirrors are there so they can see their faces to play with their pimples at lights and not for seeing anyone behind them you have a problem. Bike riders just swerve in and our of cars without looking in their mirrors, they try to do turns/u turns across the front of a moving car without even looking and expect the cars to slam on their brakes for them as they think if they dont look they are not doing anything wrong. The amount of times I have seen several people on a bike, no helmets, flying along and just swerving in front of cars expecting them to just stop for them is huge and a lot of them are usually young kids, have to wonder about the parents even letting them ride when they are not old enough. Way past time the police actually impounded the bikes and destroyed them but again they would require them to leave the air conditioned office and do something physical. Just imagine how much money the police would really collect from fines if they did their jobs and booked people for breaking the law, non payers could have their cars impounded and jail terms handed out but its all just wishful thinking, too many thais just like to see lots of dead bodies all over the roads to appease their morbid curiousity, go figure

Edited June 20, 2015 by seajae

[davehowden]

Helmet wearing increases during wet weather as they don't like to get their hair wet.

[The Beguiled]

Education - Via all media's; via schools; by police and show graphic videos of what are the consequences of accidents where bike riders/passengers did not wear a helmet.

How many unlicensed school kids ride to school or around to the shops?

The only way to reduce the loss of life and the loss of limbs is to get Tough and introduce this as part of the New Thainess!

[northernphil]

carnage on roads in Thailand will continue simply because there is not enough emphasis placed on safety . television is a good media for teaching rules of the road and in my opinion children should be taught in school .

The problem with that however is that a good many teachers I have seen actually come to school on motorcycles without helmets, breaking practically every road rule to get there quicker because they can due to being so high and mighty. And when actual primary school kids drive themselves to school on their personal motorcycle without any kind of challenge, then what hope is there. The war is lost already

Would totally agree with that. Police need to go into the schools and tell them that from now on anyone arriving underage/no licence/no helmet will be fined. On day one would probably cause traffic chaos but so be it.

A great idea which would work. ONLY if plod arrived at school not wearing a helmet ..................Opposite where I lived up to a year ago in my provincial town is a police seargent. He , his wife and boy of about 18 never ride their scooters and wear a helmet, they may not even own a helmet between them. they won't get a fine as dad is important. PAH !

[JOC]

No comment:

[Tywais]

In Chiang Mai we can observe an increase in helmet use for riders and passengers. It can be improved even more, especially out of town BUT it is improving.

Agreed. Especially around the university (CMU). Every rider and passenger has to wear a helmet to enter or security has a talk with them and turns them around not allowing them in. They also periodically have police along side the security and handing out tickets. Huge increase in helmet users, at least within the uni and its surroundings.

[sawadee1947]

In Chiang Mai we can observe an increase in helmet use for riders and passengers. It can be improved even more, especially out of town BUT it is improving.

you wish....! Check in rush hours...You would be dissapointed. Not even 10%...

[bjo2529]

This discussion is so boring and so wrong.
It's like taking a paracetamol when you got a headache.
Not wearing a helmet doesn't cause a single accident, but ignoring red lights, reckless driving, speeding, careless changing lanes, DUI, stupidity, defect lights or not turning them on at night and so on.
In five years I was invoved in three accidents, two of them quite serious in Chiang Mai just because of that.
These check points are just for cashing money, not for safety.
I guess 80% of the helmets are used here are not much better than a nut shell.
I would like to see more law enforcement on traffic lights. If I want to kill myself, I just need to start when the traffic light turning to green. at least 5 cars still passing by at red light on every single phase.
Wouldn't it be nice if there is no need to wearing a helmet?
Wearing a full cover helmet in this heat in the city is no fun at all.

[NoshowJones]

As far as motor bikes are concerned, how many fatalities are caused by dreadful road conditions? Highway 1 and 32 between Nakhon Sawan and Bangkok is very bad for the damage

caused by overloaded lorries in the first lane.

On Highway 117 about 30 Ks north of Nakhon Sawan there is one part caused by a heavy truck in the first lane, about 1 ft deep, imagine a motor cyclist hitting that, it would be instant death.

It is my opinion that if Thailand had decently maintained roads, the motorbike fatality rate would drop.

[NoshowJones]

Fire all the cops and contract a foreign police force. Sorted.

No, fire all the heads of police departments, and replace them with likewise foreigners.

[Fat Haggis]

One thing I was told about Thailand, when I came here was that , Thais will circumnavigate any law written, if they want to .

This is so true everyone from politicians to the lowly child ignores any law they do not like and enforcement is joke because of that attitude.

Not just Thais, I see many farangs drive about without helmets on their mopeds, so have even bragged about it on here, whilst labelling others lawbreakers and criminals. The irony is lost on some people indeed!!

[Jimlove]

"Compare these numbers with those of Vietnam, where most motorcyclists wear helmets even in the remote areas far from the law's reach, obviously better appreciating the need for safety."

Vietnamese have higher IQ maybe ... I think so + they have a policeforce that are not only Clowns in tight uniforms ...

[Crazy chef 1]

Hit them (bike riders and vehicle drivers) in their pockets.

Fine them, take their licences for repeat offenders.

For bike riders with children on the back (or front) hit them extra hard.

Look at how the western countries act on motorists and the Low Death rate from vehicular accidents.

which licenses???

[Just1Voice]

A few years back I was on my CBR. Full kit and helmet. I was on Huey Kaew Road at the stoplight heading towards Computer City. A group of 6 young boys, Aussies I gather, pulled up beside me on rented scooters, short pants, flip flops, tee shirts, no helmets. One of them looked at me and said: "What's the matter, old man? You scared?" indicating my kit. "No, just sensible," I replied. Light turned green, he shot away....and promptly got smashed by a pick up who ran the light. I watched his head explode like a melon when it hit the pavement. So it's not just the Thai.

[green job]

CBR ummmmmm I raced them back in the 80s 600?? True story ??????????????????????????????

[z42]

People are mentioning Vietnam, can safely say that Vietnamese drivers are almost as reckless as the Thais. Instead of looking the people mostly beep their horns which is ridiculous.

I did Saigon to Hanoi a few years back & there were a ton of accidents i saw en route, some very greusome looking ones too. Good thing they don't drive cars much over there as the cab driver to the airport was an absolute lunatic. In much the same vein as the minivan drivers here

[Cake Monster]

I am wholly convinced that somewhere, within the borders of Thailand, there is a special, secret institute, where all these so called " Daredevils " are educated.

Then after 5 PM, and at weekends, they are released to go out, and put into practice, all the dangerous manouvers, and sheer blinding disregard for any laws, they have been taught during lectures.

[exbikey]

The view I have of the roads and the traffic here, is that there is one rule that overrides every other one, there are no rules, it's simply every man for himself and the daily commute is nothing more than a game of chicken. We are living in a developing country and the people will eventually take heed, it may well be a few generations away, but it will happen. The one thing that I find intolerable is the common practice of ride in the wrong direction on the wrong side of the road, an absolute act of stupidity. Just last night, I was on the highway outside big C extra, in the matter of 20 minutes 3 bikes, 2 of which had no lights & all of which had helmet less riders, were travelling up the wrong side of the road.

Since they are Buddhists, they will die when Karma says and not before; no matter how foolish they behave. At least that seems to be the attitude.

.

Can't remember where I heard it but it sounds like good advice ...

"never drive in a country that believes in reincarnation"

[apetley]

In Chiang Mai we can observe an increase in helmet use for riders and passengers. It can be improved even more, especially out of town BUT it is improving.

If I don't use a helmet I don't endanger anyone else but myself. So in my opinion that law doesn't make sense at all.

Does your accident insurance cover non helmet use or are you expecting family or the state to wipe your ass after catastrophic head injury?

[Pattaya28]

Talk Talk Talk

Nothing more.

No Policing whatsoever by the Police.

The Police would prefer to play with their smartphones, as witnessed by all and sundry in Pattaya.

And Thais do not understand the protection a full-face helmet can offer, let alone the standard it is made to..

And those that wear safety helmets here in Pattaya, the actual safety level standard of that helmet is virtually zero.

So how on earth can the road deaths be reduced ? Impossible !!

Oh and I forgot. The Thai favorite Speed Speed Speed.

[Travelman868]

Also having more than one passenger, basic maintenance including checking lights are working and folowing the correct rules of the road.

In rural areas the traffic police go home when it gets dark so do not know if lights work or not. In the village I lived in the police did a helmet check 2 times per year. They set up shop in the middle of the village outside the main school. The first kids saw the cops and within minutes everyone had helmets on. The next day no helmets and 3 or 4 on a scooter.

[Travelman868]

Talk Talk Talk

Nothing more.

No Policing whatsoever by the Police.

The Police would prefer to play with their smartphones, as witnessed by all and sundry in Pattaya.

And Thais do not understand the protection a full-face helmet can offer, let alone the standard it is made to..

And those that wear safety helmets here in Pattaya, the actual safety level standard of that helmet is virtually zero.

So how on earth can the road deaths be reduced ? Impossible !!

Oh and I forgot. The Thai favorite Speed Speed Speed.

Thai helmet costs 300 baht so just there to keep sun off.