EMIT braces for new year holidays

The 300 lines for the 1669 EMIT hotline service have been increased to 500, while the amount of equipment and vehicles for emergency services has been increased to 11,138 basic teams, 1,796 advanced service teams, 14,189 emergency vehicles and ambulances, 100 helicopters and 1,218 boats – all of which will be operated by 112,945 personnel around the clock, he said.
A senior doctor, Chatbodin Jettanasilapin, expressed worry over the increased number of new cars bought under the government’s first-car policy.
Many will be in the hands |of rookie drivers, likely contributing to a greater risk of accidents, he said.
Actor and long-time rescue volunteer Bin Banluerit said drowsiness and sleeping at the wheel were dangers equal to drunk driving. He said a three-hour period near dawn from 3am was most prone to accidents, as sleepy motorists tended to drive fastest on roads during the quietest period.
Bangkok-based police have launched an anti-crime campaign from now until after the holiday break, focusing on the protection of business areas and convenience stores – especially during New Year’s Eve and the four-day break.
All officers tasked with these duties are encouraged to work during the period without taking leave, said a senior commander, Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak.