BANGKOK– The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has kicked off the road safety campaign for this year’s holiday season, aiming to minimize casualties from road accidents during the seven dangerous days.
DLT Director-General Sanit Phromwong presided over the inauguration of the accident prevention campaign for the New Year 2016 under the theme “Drive Safe Be Safe”. Its main objectives are to raise motorists’ awareness of dangers from speeding, to intensify the regulation of public vehicles and drivers to ensure passengers’ safety and to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on the road to the lowest level possible.
During the seven dangerous days from December 29 to January 4, when the risk of accident tends to triple, the DLT will station its staff on major and minor roads, at bus terminals and rest areas in order to inspect the readiness of public vehicles and drivers. Should a defect be found on any vehicle, the operator would be obligated to provide passengers with a new vehicle. Any driver found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty would face a jail term of up to three months and/or a fine of up to 10,000 baht while the operator would also be fined 50,000 baht at maximum.
Motorists are invited to have their cars checked up and take a rest at the service centers to be operated by vocational institutes at 189 spots on main roads nationwide. The DLT will also set up tents to provide the public with similar services.
