Law revamp ordered to make roads safer

Premier demands rigorous application of the laws.

Pedestrians use a raised crosswalk outside the Assumption College Primary Section in Bangkok in August. The raised crossing, connected to footpaths on both sides of the street, forces traffic to slow, reducing the chance of accidents. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
In Bangkok, Walkers use a raised crossing in the middle of the Premise College Primary Section in August. The raised cross, connected to trails on both sides of the street, causes customers to delayed, reducing the possibility of accidents. ( Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya )

Officials have been given the directive to quickly change outdated regulations in order to increase road safety, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The leading made reference to the tragic incident on October 1, which prompted the government to reevaluate the latest systems and rules governing car safety for people in her opening remarks at a street safety meeting on Monday.

Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized the need for more stringent law enforcement and demanded that conversations be held to determine how to release laws and regulations to improve safety of public transportation.

Authorities, including the Transport, Interior, Public Health, Social Development and Human Security and Education Ministries, may take on key functions in enforcing their respective rules related to customers safety.

Additionally, it has been suggested that bus security measures be made required, such as a pre-departure safety demonstration akin to the pre-flight safety presentation on airplanes.

Ms. Paetongtarn noted that there have been picture videos posted on social media that offer helpful advice on how to keep and use emergency exit doors on cars.

The UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, did preside over an impending international conference in Thailand in November, adding that the primary secretary went on to say that road safety would be thoroughly discussed at the meeting.

This will place transportation safety measures in the spotlight. The prime minister emphasized the importance of private sector engagement in promoting healthy travel, and said she had invited important organizations to share their opinions on the subject.

A workshop may be held to encourage cooperation between the private and public sectors, according to the top. She also urged companies to communicate the difficulties they encounter as a result of road safety issues and seek out appropriate options, with assistance from the government.

However, the Senate reviewed an immediate action on crash protection, resolution and relief following the tragic bus fire during a student field trip next week, as proposed by Senator Wuttichart Kalayanamitr, before submitting it to the cabinet for further consideration.

Sen Wuttichart said the tragedy has raised a number of questions about public transportation safety standards, starting with those regarding a car’s roadworthiness and safety guidelines. The ostensible bus was reportedly several decades old.

He urged the families who were affected by the tragedy to receive emotional support, and said that psychological support is just as crucial as identifying the cause of the accident.

Senator Ratchaneekorn Thongthip, meanwhile, spoke in support of continuing school excursions to stimulate out-of-classroom learning among young students. However, the trips must be made safer. When planning excursions, schools must take into account student age, distance, and overnight stays.