Police launch seven-day road safety campaign

Police launch seven-day road safety campaign

Police began their annual seven-day New Year road safety campaign yesterday, offering 10,000-baht prizes to people who submit the best videos of traffic violations.

The national police chief also opened the New Year traffic safety centre at police headquarters.

Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas said the centre would manage the Dec 29-Jan 4 road safety campaign, during which about 50,000 police would be deployed nationwide to strictly enforce traffic rules.

He said 7.3 million vehicles would likely be on the roads during the next seven days. The exodus from Bangkok would peak yesterday and today and return trips should be at their highest level on Monday and Tuesday, he said. Police would strictly enforce speed limits and target drivers under the influence of alcohol, who fail to use seat belts or helmets for motorcyclists. Speeding and drink-driving were the most common causes of traffic accidents, Pol Gen Damrongsak said.

People were invited to submit videos of traffic violations during the seven days. Police would select the seven best, which would each receive a 10,000-baht prize, the national police chief said. Entries can be sent to traffic radio stations JS100 and FM91 Trafficpro.

To facilitate New Year traffic, police will have 3,771 checkpoints nationwide and tow trucks to clear traffic lanes when needed.

They would open special lanes in 10 provinces to speed up traffic flow and trucks with 10 wheels or more would be banned from seven routes, except for those carrying fuel and fresh food, Pol Gen Damrongsak said. The campaign was aimed at building public awareness of safe driving, which was a key factor in traffic safety, he said.

A total of 333 people lost their lives and 2,672 were injured in 2,707 accidents during last year's holiday.

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