Deaths So Far During Songkran Holiday.

[Admin]

Total of 59 Deaths So Far During Songkran Holiday
Tan Network 2011-04-13

In the "7 Dangerous Days" campaign during the Songkran holiday, a total of 59 deaths have resulted from road accidents. Authorities are reporting that 893 accidents have caused 976 injuries.

[nookiebear]

Thats a lot less than previous years

[isanbirder]

It sounds less, but how many days does that cover?

[manupete]

It sounds less, but how many days does that cover?

29 on the first day,30 on the second day .Lets hope it stays low for the next 5 days 

Last year the death toll for the 7 days was 361( I believe )

[nookiebear]

It sounds less, but how many days does that cover?

Last year the death toll for the 7 days was 361( I believe )

That was indeed the figure quoted....How accurate is it??
Far more traffic on the 24 overnight & this morning...........Already had to big bangs at the traffic lights in Nong Ki!!

[Admin]

Songkran road toll rises to 116
Published: 14/04/2011 at 12:13 PM
Bangkok Post:Online news:  

A total of 116 people were killed and 1,760 injured in 1,626 road accidents from April 11 to 13, the first three days of the “seven Songkran dangerous days”, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Thursday.

On Wednesday, 733 road accidents took place, killing 57 people and injuring 784 others, according to the department.

The department reported road toll at 59 yesterday.

Drunk driving and speeding were major causes of the accident, said Phaichit Warachit, permanent secretary for public health and vice chairman of the road safety centre.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Most roads leading out of Buriram are now being upgraded to 4 lanes. Parts are complete. But the majority of drivers will not keep to the nearside, even when there is nothing in front of them. Flash them and they won't budge. This necessitates overtaking on the inside but some will overtake on the outside using the oncoming lane, which is highly dangerous. Saw a lot of this yesterday.

In addition, in every town/village between Buriram and Korat, dozens of kids/youths -most drunk - were playing with water - occupying most of the road, and causing havoc  with their childish games. One yobbo was standing on a chair in the middle of a 2 lane road with a hosepipe. I powered towards him with headlights on full. Never seen anyone move so quickly! Took his chair with him!   

Is it any wonder that the accident and death rate is so high?

[Vombatus]

Most roads leading out of Buriram are now being upgraded to 4 lanes. Parts are complete. But the majority of drivers will not keep to the nearside, even when there is nothing in front of them. Flash them and they won't budge. This necessitates overtaking on the inside but some will overtake on the outside using the oncoming lane, which is highly dangerous. Saw a lot of this yesterday.

In addition, in every town/village between Buriram and Korat, dozens of kids/youths -most drunk - were playing with water - occupying most of the road, and causing havoc  with their childish games. One yobbo was standing on a chair in the middle of a 2 lane road with a hosepipe. I powered towards him with headlights on full. Never seen anyone move so quickly! Took his chair with him!   

Is it any wonder that the accident and death rate is so high?

Not when it is potential manslaughter - as in your case ! 

[Prakhonchai Nick]

I was awaiting that response from someone.

let me assure you and anyone else that not knowing what his reaction would be,I was in full control of my vehicle, and had ample time to come to a complete halt if necessary.

The point I wanted to make was that not everyone out and about wanted to play stupid games. I had a 350km return journey to make, and could not be arsed with clowns. There is one thing in playing with water pistols from the side of the road and quite another in taking control of the road, If the police were not  prepared to take action (I doubt they would have even had the been there) , then as usual, I am prepared to take vigilante action. I think I scared the shit out of him, but can assure all that never was he in any danger.

Songkran and the water festivities are all fine if played by willing people, Not everyone should be targeted, and all major roads should be no play areas in my view.

Normally I would not venture out over the holiday period, but I had no choice this year!

[Vombatus]

I am sure that the clarification was not necessary - and I can vouch for your driving skills.

I also agree that Songkran (the water throwing version) should not be compulsory and roads (other than in town and in the village) should be freely passable.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

The clarification may have been necessary for others.

As you know I do not suffer fools lightly. 

 The whole Songkran saga (10 days in Pattaya) proves to me what a country Thailand really is. Take away Songkran and I love it! 

[Dave the Dude]

I believe it should be better controlled and not held on Major Roads.
When are they going to stop telling us what we already know?

Have a safe Songkran everyone

[Vombatus]

The clarification may have been necessary for others.

As you know I do not suffer fools lightly. 

 The whole Songkran saga (10 days in Pattaya) proves to me what a country Thailand really is. Take away Songkran and I love it! 

Edited by Admin.

Any particular reason ?

[Prakhonchai Nick]

It seems an expression was used that was one step up from banana!!!

[Admin]

It seems an expression was used that was one step up from banana!!!