Young hoons targeted under Songkran road safety offensive
The Interior Ministry will implement six measures – including having kamnans, village headmen and other community leaders directly warn families with youngsters displaying risky behaviour on the roads – in a bid to minimise the road carnage during Songkran this year.
Permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry, Krissada Boonrat, who presided over a meeting on the matter on Tuesday, said the ministry's Road Safety Centre had prepared the six measures to be implemented during April 11-17.
They include repairing accident-prone spots and placing warning signs at risky locations, such roads crossing railway tracks.
Another measure involves encouraging motorists to constantly check their vehicles to ensure they are safe, and have the Land Transport Department and the Royal Thai Police set up checkpoints to check the condition of vehicles as well as make sure drivers are licensed and vehicles are registered.
Authorities will also require local administrative bodies to arrange activities promoting road safety awareness via various channels continuously, and strictly enforce traffic laws and cracking down on drink driving and other risky road behaviour.
Checkpoints will be set up during 4pm to 8pm each day during the holiday – the period with the highest road carnage from previous Songkran festivals.
Water wars will be organised in designated alcohol-free zones.
Also, related agencies will check piers and ferries to ensure public safety, and have related agencies timely provide aid after road accidents.