Thai media was answering a highly pertinent question yesterday after footage of a newly designed U-turn was widely viewed on social media.
Could the Highway Department’s new design help save lives and mark the beginning of the end of Thailand’s infamous status as number one in the world for road accidents.
Or – as was pointed out by an initial Thai post – would lawbreaking render them useless anyway?
The U-turns – there are two in use on the same stretch of Rama II road in Samut Songkhram – make it possible for traffic to make turns without holding up oncoming traffic. Manager said they looked safe and easy to use.
There is no need to cut in front of traffic or take unnecessary risks.
U-turn areas are a major cause of accidents in Thailand.
A third U-turn of a similar design is expected to be build further along the same road soon – they will then be at KM markers 69, 74 and 77.
Many people commented on the design that has come from the Highways’ Department.
But somewhat pertinently, the first comment on Facebook was not about the large truck successfully making the turn but about the motorcyclist who disobeys the U-turn’s markings and crosses the road regardless at the end of the video.
(Source:-Manager)
And therein lies the problem. U-turns are hopelessly badly designed. The problem is compounded by the arrogance of many drivers who think they are above queuing and simply go the front and make it even more difficult to see oncoming traffic.
Until Thais begin driving in a safe, responsible manner, nothing will change. These are not the views of someone who looks down on Thai people. I love my new country very much. But the standard of driving borders on the reckless with complete disregard for others.
Our village has a straight road running through it. There are homes and shops on either side which means there are children, pets and old people . Yet the speed that some drivers reach is unbelievable as they have no chance of stopping in time should the need arise.
Speed is the route cause of accidents here and it’s high time the police did something about it. Until they do, the death toll will not begin to fall.