Traffic safety campaigns launched
Accident-prone spots have been made safer in a bid to have zero traffic deaths on rural roads during the New Year's holiday, Deputy Transport Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong said yesterday.
Last year, the Rural Roads Department recorded 15 traffic deaths over New Year’s. This year, the department aims to have no fatalities, Prasert said as he presided over the launch of a road safety campaign.
The department has prepared 76 fast-moving units to survey heavy traffic routes and readied 8,800 volunteers to assist travellers at 98 rest areas. There’s also the 24-hour 1146 hotline for motorists to ask for directions and report wrecks.
The Highways Department also has a safe-travel campaign, which runs from today until January 2.
Highways chief Chatchawan Boonjaroenkit said the initiative includes clear signage, brightly lit roadways and rest areas. The department also has a 24-hour hotline, 1586.
Motorways will be toll-free from 4pm today until midnight on January 2.
Chatchawan also urged drivers not to drink alcohol and to get enough rest.
The Labour Ministry is also doing its part to reduce holiday traffic accidents by opening 54 free vehicle check-up points, including the Mittraphap and Asian highways.
