Driving in Thailand — 2
We wrote about how dangerous bikers can be on Thailand’s roads, but what do readers think about the problems caused by the U-turn infrastructure?
In order for the coach to complete its U-turn, it will have to edge, or push, its way across all the lanes of the carriageway. All vehicles will then have to stop, creating a complete traffic jam.
The red car will try to edge out despite not being able to see any oncoming traffic. It could easily hit an approaching vehicle. Creating yet another tail-back.
At least with roundabouts, you can see the traffic ahead of you and move forward if you see a safe gap.
Signaling when Driving on Thai Roads.
Never assume that a driver or biker’s signal is what he actually intends to do. Bikers may often not cancel an indicator, there’s too much road noise for them to hear the beeping noise of an indicator flashing. And they may not be looking at the flashing light on the screen in front of them.
Some Thais use the hazard warning lights to indicate they’re going straight ahead. I only use it if I want to show my intentions to a police officer on point duty.
Thais don’t always signal. And many signal WHEN completing a turn rather than give notice to other road users of their intentions.
Rules and Regulations are not Followed or Enforced in Thailand.
One important aspect of Thai culture is to avoid conflict. Because the government know that the Thai people have a sort of Me First attitude to life and won’t follow the Rules of the Road. changing the road infrastructure to “encourage” them to comply. Because of the Me First cultural aspect embedded in the Thai mind and their always only outwardly obeying the rules, the government never succeeds.
A few kilometres from me, there is a very sharp left-hand bend. It’s a 90-degree bend and the road width is about the width of a standard car. So, much sharper than the image below and difficult to navigate round.
For a car to get round it, you have to drive slowly to ensure you don’t cross over the centre line on exit. You have to watch for bikers trying to overtake on the left. Large trucks have no option but to start the manoeuvre on the “wrong” side of the road.
So what do the authorities do? They place red cones on the centre line to prevent big trucks from turning. Within less than a day, the cones were removed, or perhaps the truckers got rid of them.
But in a few months, someone high up in the hierarchy of the Road Traffic department will order for the cones to be replaced. And the workers will do as they are told. And the truckers will just as quickly remove them. Nobody will discuss or comment to the “high-ups” of feasible solutions. The cultural concept of hierarchy must not be questioned in a feudal society.
One is reminded of the lines,
Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.
The IAM, through trainers in their local groups in the UK, teach drivers the advanced skills necessary to drive safely while still making progress on their journeys. The techniques are based on police driving manuals. Drivers are examined by high-ranking police instructors before gaining IAM membership.
The most important skill is, I believe, to learn to drive at a speed at which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear of any hazard. At the highest speed at which it is still safe.
Keep a 2 car distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Often quoted as counting for 2 seconds to make sure you can stop within that time. “Only a fool ignores the 2 second rule”.
Checking inside and outside mirrors at all times, and glancing behind with a “shoulder check” to confirm there are no vehicles in your blind spot.
Looking as far ahead as you can, not just immediately in front of you.
Don’t rush up to a vehicle and brake. If you’re looking well ahead, you will be able to take your foot off the accelerator, allowing you to slow down enough to avoid braking at the last minute. Saves petrol and makes your brake pads last longer too.
