• 
• 

Published on December 26, 2007

At this time of the year, the government always comes out with a safe-driving campaign. This year's is pretty much the usual rerun featuring the usual signs: "Don't drive drunk"; "Park and take a nap if you're sleepy"; "Obey the speed limit"; "Study your route carefully"; "Be adequately rested before driving"; "Inspect your vehicle before your trip".

But these warnings have never been able to lower the number of road accidents during festivals, since the campaign focuses on the driver surviving the drive. No campaign has ever asked people to survive together; they've never been asked to help monitor what's happening on the road so that we all may survive.

The old way of campaigning simply exhorts drivers to arrive at their destinations safely without considering the well-being of others on the road. Many drivers aggressively try to find openings to overtake vehicles in front. Better drivers who know the route usually become irritated with slower traffic up ahead and blow the horn or flash the high beam without caring whether there is something wrong with the car in front, or whether such actions may frighten the driver ahead.

Another common cause of accidents is inexperienced drivers unable to deal with problems. I host four radio programmes a week, and whenever a festival season approaches, I always get calls asking which gear to use when driving uphill or "I have a Honda Civic automatic. Would it be possible to drive up steep mountains like Doi Angkang?"

Each time I hear something like this, I know right away the accidents won't drop. That's because on difficult and dangerous routes, the driver cannot simply ask experienced drivers what to do, especially if traffic is heavy.

Each time, I answer if you really want to go to such places, then it is better to rent a vehicle that comes with a driver who has experience with the route and can drive on winding mountain roads. Such a move fosters safety for yourself and others on the road. However, most people don't like my answer.

Sometimes they post my suggestions on websites and say I am inconsiderate or have no knowledge of automobiles. They say instead of just giving a simple answer, I tell them to go rent a car.

I would like to stress that when driving during the festive season, with lots of traffic on the road, you need to study your route carefully and check out various alternatives, in case there is a problem with your primary route.

You must also know whether the route you choose has any obstacles or other pertinent factors.

For example, whether it is the harvest season, so you may avoid driving in the evening, since there could be a lot of small farm vehicles without lights on the road.

Sometimes, too, the locals will pile up their produce along the roadside, and this is very difficult to see at night. On routes that pass sugar factories, you are likely to meet a lot of sugar-cane lorries carrying heavier loads than they should. The sugar cane will stick out from the cargo area, and it is easy to get into an accident.

So learning about the environment of the area you are passing through is a must for travellers during the festive season.

I wish you all a safe a pleasant journey and a Happy New Year.

E-mail your motoring questions to Pattanadesh@nationgroup.com.

By Pattanadesh Asasappakij

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.