Songkran Holiday Road Accidents

[caller]

This appears to be the last report for the holiday period.

Dont know why. I travelled from Korat to Bkk earlier - back less than an hour - and the roads were heaving.

Saw several accidents. The first notable one was a small lorry, en route to Korat, I assume, that was parked about 15 metres into some shrubs / bushes and facing the direction it came. Didn't seem particularly bashed up. The 2nd, Bkk bound was again in the bushes, but this time parked quite high seemingly on top of some bushes and again, facing the way it came. Pretty bashed up at the front. The 3rd was more of a pain and a few cars weren involved, but only one was still on the road, blocking a lane and a bit en route to Bkk, causing even more congestion. It had clearly spun, and was at 45%, sort of facing the way it had come and the front was visible and pretty smashed up, the rear was still attached to the barrier. The driver I assume, was looking forlornly at the mess and on the phone, the other cars were parked up on the side of the road.

Apart from those, the other incidents were shunts, with what seemed the car behing going into the back of the car in front. Generally minor damage.

At times there was absolutely totential rain accompanied by lightening and visibilty was terrible. Most cars slowed right down, there was little choice, but the idiots were still about driving too fast and too close when they couldn't pass the vehicle in front.

[HHTel]

Thai rule:

If you can't see the vehicle in front because of heavy rain, then get closer!

[Big Boy]

This report by Richard Barrow sums up the 7 deadly days farce:

During the so-called 7 Dangerous Days of Songkran, an average of 39 people died every day. Now that this period is over, the police have removed their checkpoints and the Thai government has stopped their road safety campaigns.

Result? 67 people were needlessly killed yesterday.

Maybe if they ran road safety campaigns year round and the police enforced traffic laws every day, then they can save more lives. Just a thought.
Road accident report 18/4/2022
67 deaths and 2,351 injuries
🏍 73% of deaths were motorcyclists
4,595 deaths in 108 days or 42 deaths/day

In reality, nothing has changed/worsened. Everybody has switched from the Government's propaganda numbers, and have reverted to the only 365 day source - Road Safety Collaboration.

[Edit] The '4,595 deaths in 108 days or 42 deaths/day' statement includes 456 people dying on the roads in during the 7 deadly days.