Michelin makes life safer

Thailand endures an average of 25 deaths in road accidents every day – more than one every hour – and on top of the terrible loss of life faces annual medical outlays totalling Bt230 billion. It’s come to the point where the public and private sectors are renewing efforts to reduce the toll, particularly among young people. 

Michelin, the tyre maker, places great importance on promoting and supporting road-safety campaigns, says Segsarn Trai-Ukos, its country director for Michelin Siam. In 2006 the parent firm inaugurated its “Safe on the Road” project, organising educational activities in a bid to change people’s driving habits.

Last year’s first road-safety campaign aimed at children was such a success that Michelin extended it this year to include the whole family. 

In collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Michelin Siam held the “Michelin Safety on the Road Family Bike Rally” in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park on October 19, with 50 families participating, including many youngsters.

The aim was to make people more aware of the dangers on the road and encourage the children to be more safety-minded. The parents learned that they play a crucial role in cultivating safer driving habits among their children when they grow up.

Segsarn says the participants learned about traffic rules, the meaning of road signs and the importance of wearing a helmet on two-wheeled conveyances. Experts showed them how important it is to ride “with both their safety and that of other commuters in mind”.

Kosa Group president Chatchai Kosavisutte and his wife and two young children were there and he concurs that parents must play a key role in encouraging their children to be disciplined on the road and respect traffic regulations, especially wearing helmets. 

Somsak Wongsa-ngiam says he and his wife and three young children all found the event beneficial – and a lot of fun besides. Car drivers, cyclists and even pedestrians must be aware of their respective rights when using public roads, Somsak says, adding that the social media can make a difference in boosting public awareness, but the basic discipline and driving habits start at the family level.

Michelin Siam plans to continue planning activities to get the message across to all groups and all ages, Segsarn says.