Solutions to the carnage on our roads
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We have the world's second-worst road fatality record - usually involving drunk driving and motorbikes - with rising fatalities involving bicycles. So, I propose:
- Two-wheelers must stay in the left-most lane, with headlights and LED rear lights. All riders must wear Thailand Standards Institute-approved helmets;
- Motor vehicle drivers must carry third-party driver-specific insurance covering B100,000 of damage or enough to cover all damage likely to be done by a given driver, whichever the greater;
- All drivers involved in an accident to be tested for DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol);
- Roving checkpoints for DUI, helmets, insurance, etc. Squads to be self-financed by fines (with receipts), which will be shared 50:50 with their precinct;
- If a driver tests positive for drink driving and has left a bar, within the past hour, that place will have its liquor licence suspended;
- Fleeing the scene doubles the sentence;
- The Justice Ministry must issue sentencing guidelines to bring us up to the standards of developed countries, with mandatory jail for serious injury or death.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok
