Shell launches road-safety campaign

Shell is working in partnership with the Accident Prevention Network. This year’s campaign will encourage motorists to drive safely throughout the Songkran period. Even before the festive season, Shell will provide its customers with a range of driving reminders, tools, tips and tricks, as well as products and services to empower drivers to stay safe on the roads.
Asada Harinsuit, chairman of Shell Thailand, said: “Road safety is a priority for Shell. We work closely with local authorities, communities and business partners to improve road safety in countries where we operate. 
“In Thailand, Shell has been a partner on the road to motorists and a key part of the driver journey and experience for decades. We are pleased to continue to partner [with] the Accident Prevention Network, and to work closely with them to help reduce the number of road accidents in Thailand. 
“We aim to improve Thai people’s quality of life by helping ‘make life’s journey better’ and safer for everyone.”
The partnership’s “You’re Safe, All Safe” campaign is transforming Shell stations into safety stations. Shell staff will encourage travellers to drive within speed limits, and raise their awareness to increase driver safety throughout their journey.
This year’s effort follows on from the success of a similar campaign last year, which was also a joint effort with the Accident Prevention Network. Last year, nearly 172,000 customers visited special Shell service-point stations along key highways during the campaign period. 
Shell notes that not a single insurance claim was filed by any of the 54,218 customers who registered for personal accident insurance with Shell. The company says this shows the success of the campaign in encouraging people to see the importance of road safety.
An estimated 24,000 people die on Thai roads every year, making this country No 2 in the world for road-accident fatalities, after Libya. 
It is reported that one of the five risk factors causing road fatalities is speed. The number of road accidents increases significantly during festive seasons such as Songkran, when people travel a lot. 
Prommin Kantiya, director of the Accident Prevention Network, said: “Statistics from the Road Safety Directing Centre show that the highest … number of road deaths in Thailand occur during the ‘seven dangerous days’ [of the Songkran period]. 
During the festive season, people travel to their home towns or to tourist attractions. As the number of cars on the road increases, so too does the risk of road accidents.
“We have continued to see these risks increase [during] this period consecutively from 2012 to 2016. Out of a total of 422 deaths last year during this period, the main causes of accidents were drunk driving and speeding. 
“We, the Accident Prevention Network, are pleased to have Shell Thailand’s continued support and to work with them to help raise the importance of road-accident prevention to the motoring public.” 
Shell will offer a range of services, including a 10-point car check-up at Shell Helix Oil Change+, clean toilet facilities, and a free music playlist on the JOOX music application to accompany all drivers throughout their journeys during the holiday. 
Customers who purchase eligible Shell Helix products can also get a 10-day personal accident insurance policy, with coverage of up to Bt100,000. 
They can choose their own 10-day travel period to use the coverage between now and May 31.