Accident In Sukkumvit Soi 3

[tessadog]

Last night (4 december) at about 10.30 pm a farang was knocked down by a 4wd on Sukkumvit soi 3. It looked real bad. I am wondering if anyone knows the guy and his condition. Its one of those things you dont want to see happen ever again.

[Jockstar]

Soi 3 is a crazy road. Zebra crossings and all that. For new arrivals to Bangkok. They think that drivers will stop for them like they do in their own country. No ######ing chance! Hope the guy is alright!

[tessadog]

Yes the traffic is normaly crazy, but that is what made it so strange. There was no traffic at all, real quiet and the guy was almost on the kerb. He seemed to have crossed on of those side alleys and not the main road. He was tossed twice into the air but the bull bar.

[t.s]

nasty. i cross beteween 11 and the hospital daily. It can be hectic.

[alexth]

Yes the traffic is normaly crazy, but that is what made it so strange. There was no traffic at all, real quiet and the guy was almost on the kerb. He seemed to have crossed on of those side alleys and not the main road. He was tossed twice into the air but the bull bar.

Maybe that was the driver's opinion also and he decided that speeding might be safe...it usually happens. Just a thought...

[marshbags]

Soi 3 is a crazy road. Zebra crossings and all that. For new arrivals to Bangkok. They think that drivers will stop for them like they do in their own country. No ######ing chance! Hope the guy is alright!

Agreed J.S., and that includes the f. word, to voice my frustration also about this re occuring nightmare.

Information should be made available for all new arrivals to make them aware of the dangers.

As for the Zebras, why they put them down when the authorities / TAT must be aware of the culture differences is beyond me.

Rather than making it safe to cross, they make it far more dangerous by giving visitors a false sense of security.

I, along with everyone, also hope the unfortunate individual is not to serious and able to make a full and speedy recovery.

marshbags

Edited December 5, 2006 by marshbags

[kmart]

Soi 3 is a crazy road. Zebra crossings and all that. For new arrivals to Bangkok. They think that drivers will stop for them like they do in their own country. No ######ing chance! Hope the guy is alright!

Agreed J.S., and that includes the f. word, to voice my frustration also about this re occuring nightmare.

Information should be made available for all new arrivals to make them aware of the dangers.

As for the Zebras, why they put them down when the authorities / TAT must be aware of the culture differences is beyond me.

Rather than making it safe to cross, they make it far more dangerous by giving visitors a false sense of security.

I, along with everyone, also hope the unfortunate individual is not to serious and able to make a full and speedy recovery.

marshbags

A local cop once told me that the driving laws(?!?!?); highway code ( ); and road signals / markings here are directly copied from an old UK model. He also pointed out to me that should I follow them to the letter, as I would in the UK, that I would only cause accidents, and I would probably be in the wrong anyway. Given that I was in the cop shop for knocking some drunken nimrod off his maengkasi 2-stroke in the first place; I listened to him very carefully.

He also said that most cops don't have a clue about traffic laws here, too.

Given the all the hooha about recent Ministry of Culture pamphlets explaining to recent arivals how not to offend Thais, it might also be wise to recommend texts to avoid getting flattened by foolish driving habits too?

[lingling]

nasty. i cross beteween 11 and the hospital daily. It can be hectic.

Crossing soi 3 is scary, but so is the sub soi between soi 3 and 11. I'd change job if I were in your pants, but not necessarily because of the traffic. You could also give a bottle of whisky every 3 months to the policeman that mans that crossing every morning, and he'll stop the traffic and escort you across.

[Chang_paarp]

nasty. i cross beteween 11 and the hospital daily. It can be hectic.

Crossing soi 3 is scary, but so is the sub soi between soi 3 and 11. I'd change job if I were in your pants, but not necessarily because of the traffic. You could also give a bottle of whisky every 3 months to the policeman that mans that crossing every morning, and he'll stop the traffic and escort you across.

Shouldn't this be in the corruption thread?

[terry57]

im standing on a zebra crossing in banglampu the other night down by the river.

theres this farang his wife, 5 year old daughter and a baby in the pram.

the traffic is flying by as usual and this stupid woman pushes the pram and young girl strait out on to the zebra crossing.

i mean the woman could see that none of the other cars give a flying toss about a zebra crossing so whats this clown thinking.

i near on had a heart attack when i seen this happenning and just managed to scream at her and get her back.

frigging husband is just standing there in shock doing frig all.

we had a case in australia where 2 swedish girls looked the wrong way when crossing a city street and both got cleaned up by a truck. and died.

[Axel]

Let's hope the best for the fellow for a speedy recovery.

terry57, on the two Swedish grils, I can understand. Nearly happened to me, having worked the whole day in South Germany and jus managed to catch a flight early evening from Salzburg to Frankfurt. There watched with me colleague a football-match (I think it was word championship-year). Talked a bit longer and went to sleep around 2:30 a.m. Got up 6:00, not drunk, just tired but managed my 7:00 a.m. flight to Manchester where I went downtown to walk around a bit. At bus-stop stepped on the road and looked LEFT, as used back home (at that time Taipei). Nearly missed the bus coming from the RIGHT.

Just typing this I still shiver and it was years ago. I just acted by natural instinct and that did not tell me that it Manchester the drive on the wrong, sorry on the left , not the right side.

[London Crocodile]

I just acted by natural instinct and that did not tell me that it Manchester the drive on the wrong, sorry on the left , not the right side.

For centuries, people everywhere walked, rode horses and drive their carts on the left side of the road. Then the French had their Revolution, stormed the Bastille in 1789, and Napoleon took charge: a major war against Britain broke out. The French and their allies fought against the British and their allies all the armies involved wore colourful uniforms that were almost indistinguishable at a distance. Napoleon had introduced a new legal system and the metric measurement; another revolutionary act was to oblige his people and his allies to march on the opposite side of the road. This also enabled both sides in the conflict to recognise French troops at a distance, even though most roads were hardly highways.

Thanks to Napoleon's military successes on land, French influence spread throughout Europe; most European countries - and their colonies - took to the right side of the road. Britain and her large number of colonies remained on the left. Somewhere like Japan, which was influenced by neither side, continued the natural custom and to this day drives on the left.

In America the former colonials had another war against Britain in 1812 and the French general Lafayette went over to lend a hand. The Americans were persuaded that they were now revolutionaries and should drive on the right, although this did not become standard throughout all the states until the 20th century and the influence of the motor car.

http://vea.qc.ca/vea/articles/britsdrive.htm

[Sarpedon]

Hopefully the guy who got hit was ok. Just had a friend visiting me for a couple of days on route to a visit to his folks in the Uk and he commented on the zebra crossings. I told him to ignore them and they are not to be mistaken for somewhere to corss the road in safety.

I think he took my advice onboard but only fully understood when he was telling me he was using one and the car that was waiting for him to corss started honking his horn at him in agressive manner as if to say 'what the hel_l are you doing crossing the road here'!

[Patex]

I just acted by natural instinct and that did not tell me that it Manchester the drive on the wrong, sorry on the left , not the right side.

For centuries, people everywhere walked, rode horses and drive their carts on the left side of the road. Then the French had their Revolution, stormed the Bastille in 1789, and Napoleon took charge: a major war against Britain broke out. The French and their allies fought against the British and their allies all the armies involved wore colourful uniforms that were almost indistinguishable at a distance. Napoleon had introduced a new legal system and the metric measurement; another revolutionary act was to oblige his people and his allies to march on the opposite side of the road. This also enabled both sides in the conflict to recognise French troops at a distance, even though most roads were hardly highways.

Thanks to Napoleon's military successes on land, French influence spread throughout Europe; most European countries - and their colonies - took to the right side of the road. Britain and her large number of colonies remained on the left. Somewhere like Japan, which was influenced by neither side, continued the natural custom and to this day drives on the left.

In America the former colonials had another war against Britain in 1812 and the French general Lafayette went over to lend a hand. The Americans were persuaded that they were now revolutionaries and should drive on the right, although this did not become standard throughout all the states until the 20th century and the influence of the motor car.

http://vea.qc.ca/vea/articles/britsdrive.htm

Brit bashing rulez are OK!

Do you know why you are driving on the wrong side??

[richard10365]

Foreigners in Thailand need to understand that the unwritten crosswalk rule is different here in Thailand. Over in farang land, traffic waits for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Here in Thailand, the crosswalk is where pedestrians wait for traffic to clear before walking across the street. It might be written differently in the rule book but what is in practice here is what a person should remember. It could mean the difference between life or death.

[marshbags]

Foreigners in Thailand need to understand that the unwritten crosswalk rule is different here in Thailand. Over in farang land, traffic waits for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Here in Thailand, the crosswalk is where pedestrians wait for traffic to clear before walking across the street. It might be written differently in the rule book but what is in practice here is what a person should remember. It could mean the difference between life or death.

Get rid of ALL pedestrian crossings painted on the roads and provide safer means of getting from A to B.

Traffic lights are also out of the question unless they are prepared to enforce obeyance and snow will not melt on fire before this happens.

Does anyone know anywhere else where pedestrian crossing are a magnet to danger and the consequences like the O.P,s report in so called civilised countries ?

On reflection perhaps we shouldn,t go there.

If Thailand insists on the present situation where in effect they are just cosmetic then surely they have an obligation to inform visitors of the dangers towards local ( Thai ) use of them before leaving their point of entry.

Incidently i was informed when i took my Thai D. licence written test of how i must approach signed / marked areas with caution and stop if need be.

To have to be told to do this speaks volumes for the mental attitude towards pedestrians.

It,s o.k. for motor cycles and motor vehicles ect. to obstruct walk ways while forcing people on foot to have to go onto the roads.

Do the authorities really care ?................................. from what i,ve witnessed over the years

NO ******* Chance.

marshbags

Edited December 6, 2006 by marshbags

[John_Betong]

I am sorry to hear about the guy that got knocked down on Soi 3, I hope he is OK and insured.

It came as a shock to me when I first arrived in the country to be nearly knocked down by two policeman riding a motorcycle on the pavement! Forget the road being dangerous, it is even more dangerous to walk out of a shop onto the pavement!

Is there any other country that has ramps on the pavement to facilitate motorcycles from legally endangering pedestrians.

I attended a UK the driving school whose slogan was something like "Make Progress Safely". When I started driving/riding here I was soon forced to change this slogan to "Survive and Make Arrival".

[kmart]

I am sorry to hear about the guy that got knocked down on Soi 3, I hope he is OK and insured.

It came as a shock to me when I first arrived in the country to be nearly knocked down by two policeman riding a motorcycle on the pavement! Forget the road being dangerous, it is even more dangerous to walk out of a shop onto the pavement!

An old mate of mine was hit by some maengkasi whilst walking on the pavement in Pattaya. His foot was almost separated from his leg, and had to have many corrective surgeries / pins installed, just to get back walking.

Hope the guy on Soi 3 is ok, too.

[Scott]

I am one of those "foolish" drivers who stops for people in crosswalks. I hate when people come darting out all over the place. The crosswalks are usually lit and plain to see. I stop, wave them across and then proceed. They seem happy and I feel good.

[Neeranam]

Last night (4 december) at about 10.30 pm a farang was knocked down by a 4wd on Sukkumvit soi 3. It looked real bad. I am wondering if anyone knows the guy and his condition. Its one of those things you dont want to see happen ever again

Why is it relevant that it's a 4x4? I'd be interested to see the statistics of the type of vehicle involved in accidents in Thailand. I'd hazard a guess that drivers of pick-ups have a MUCH higher percentage of accidents - I wonder why.

[Farma]

Neeranam

I think being hit by a 4wd will make a difference where the person sustains injuries due to the 4wd’s height.

Regardless of what car type it was, I hope the guy is ok.

[terry57]

Foreigners in Thailand need to understand that the unwritten crosswalk rule is different here in Thailand. Over in farang land, traffic waits for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Here in Thailand, the crosswalk is where pedestrians wait for traffic to clear before walking across the street. It might be written differently in the rule book but what is in practice here is what a person should remember. It could mean the difference between life or death.

yes,

well me and you know that mate but all the newbies would not have a clue.

thats the big problem.

[alexth]

Foreigners in Thailand need to understand that the unwritten crosswalk rule is different here in Thailand. Over in farang land, traffic waits for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Here in Thailand, the crosswalk is where pedestrians wait for traffic to clear before walking across the street. It might be written differently in the rule book but what is in practice here is what a person should remember. It could mean the difference between life or death.

yes,

well me and you know that mate but all the newbies would not have a clue.

thats the big problem.

Amazing...

[Beavis and Butthead]

I am one of those "foolish" drivers who stops for people in crosswalks. I hate when people come darting out all over the place. The crosswalks are usually lit and plain to see. I stop, wave them across and then proceed. They seem happy and I feel good.

what you are doing can be very dangerous. While you're waving the people across, other maniacs in cars, busses and motorcys are speeding around you and you are blocking the view of these speeding psychopaths. You are the hazard out there doing that

[Beavis and Butthead]

Last night (4 december) at about 10.30 pm a farang was knocked down by a 4wd on Sukkumvit soi 3. It looked real bad. I am wondering if anyone knows the guy and his condition. Its one of those things you dont want to see happen ever again

Why is it relevant that it's a 4x4? I'd be interested to see the statistics of the type of vehicle involved in accidents in Thailand. I'd hazard a guess that drivers of pick-ups have a MUCH higher percentage of accidents - I wonder why.

It's relevant. It's always relevant to know details of horrific accidents like what vehicle was involved, be it taxi, 4wd or motorcy.

[terry57]

I am one of those "foolish" drivers who stops for people in crosswalks. I hate when people come darting out all over the place. The crosswalks are usually lit and plain to see. I stop, wave them across and then proceed. They seem happy and I feel good.

what you are doing can be very dangerous. While you're waving the people across, other maniacs in cars, busses and motorcys are speeding around you and you are blocking the view of these speeding psychopaths. You are the hazard out there doing that

that is so true mate,

and thats the first thing i thought off when i read this dudes post as he is the one that will get someone killed by doing this.

the dude must realise that this is thai style road rules and not falang road rules and he is helping nobody at all.

[terry57]

Foreigners in Thailand need to understand that the unwritten crosswalk rule is different here in Thailand. Over in farang land, traffic waits for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Here in Thailand, the crosswalk is where pedestrians wait for traffic to clear before walking across the street. It might be written differently in the rule book but what is in practice here is what a person should remember. It could mean the difference between life or death.

yes,

well me and you know that mate but all the newbies would not have a clue.

thats the big problem.

Amazing...

whats amazing. ?

make yourself clear.

[brahmburgers]

even more potentially injurious is the way Thai drivers, in particular, cut corners whenever they can - sometimes coming in on the wrong side of a vehicle on a side street. Blind corners are no deterent to cutting corners at speed - as if the concept of the arc never took hold in Asia. Sometimes a vehicle will begin their turn 50 meters of more before the corner - it's rude and dangerous, but Thai traffic cops will never reprimand a driver for doing that.

[Briggsy]

Would the OP tell us if the "4x4" stopped. It's a bit tricky to do a bunk in the inner city otherwise I would assume he didn't stop.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

Last night (4 december) at about 10.30 pm a farang was knocked down by a 4wd on Sukkumvit soi 3. It looked real bad. I am wondering if anyone knows the guy and his condition. Its one of those things you dont want to see happen ever again

Why is it relevant that it's a 4x4? I'd be interested to see the statistics of the type of vehicle involved in accidents in Thailand. I'd hazard a guess that drivers of pick-ups have a MUCH higher percentage of accidents - I wonder why.

If the 4wd has bull bars that would make a big difference!