Those obeying the traffic laws receive a
free helmet.
Patcharapol Panrak
“Respect traffic laws, get a free helmet. Break the
law, get a ticket.” That was the message Sattahip police put out as they
kicked off a new drive to get people to drive better.
Sattahip Police Superintendent Col. Somchai
Sunthawanik and other ranking officers staffed a Sukhumvit Road
checkpoint March 8, handing out 200 motorbike helmets to those staying
within speed limits, wearing helmets and carrying a driver’s license.
About 20 percent of drivers 18-20 years old, however,
hit the checkpoint with their noggins unprotected or without a license.
For them, police handed out 100 baht traffic tickets.
With the tickets, officers also handed out flyers
stating: “Driving respectful of the rules saves lives. Diving without
helmets will result in regret and wastes money.”
Somchai said no fewer than 10 people a year died on
Sattahip-area roads every year between 2002 and 2008. Most deaths
involved alcohol use and not wearing helmets. He hopes the police
department’s assertive action on the streets will improve safety in the
district.
