Skip to main content

Thailand tells drivers to speed up - and reduce accidents

Thailand's road authorities have revealed that nearly a third of accidents are caused by motorists driving too slowly in the fast lanes.
By Ben Spencer March 5, 2020 Read time: 1 min
A third of road accidents caused by drivers travelling too slow in fast lane (© Martinslezacek | Dreamstime.com)

In a Bangkok Post report, the department's director general Sarawut Songsivilai claims slow driving is second only to the 45% of accidents caused by cars veering off roads.

"If a motorist in an outer lane is driving slowly the driver behind will try to pass on the inside lane where his view of traffic in front will be obscured, which often leads to cars colliding,” he says.

"Proposed new speed limits for outer lanes will be clearly marked and are designed to lower the chances of sideswiping or rear-ending," Songsivilai adds.

The Transport Ministry is reportedly seeking to increase the speed limit on outer lanes from 80kph to 90kph for major roads and highways which have a minimum of four lanes.

 

Related Content

  • ITS benefits escape public
    June 8, 2015
    John Kendall considers the public’s awareness of the benefits of ITS. While the results of developing ITS technology may be clear to readers of ITS International, there is far less evidence that drivers have any appreciation of what the technology is doing for them. So how aware are drivers of the developments that are designed to make their journeys less congested and safer?
  • Variable message signs continue to deliver travel information
    February 2, 2012
    Arguably the 'face' of ITS, variable message signs are far from being a passing solution
  • London faces ULEZ revolt by councils
    January 20, 2023
    Mayor says ULEZ expansion is needed to address climate and public health goals
  • ODOT implements weather-activated speed signs
    November 18, 2016
    Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has implemented digital variable speed limit signs over a thirty-mile stretch of Interstate 84 between Baker City and La Grande, replacing the standard speed signs in that area. The new signs will use traffic, road, weather and visibility sensors to lower the legal speed limit when ice, snow, fog or a wreck ahead requires drivers to slow down. Along with identifying the current legal speed limit, the digital displays can also show the reason for a reduced speed,