Buses of double-deck design barred from hazardous routes
Revamped News Brief:
Hey there! Let's talk about that hair-raising incident on Highway 304 in Prachin Buri, shall we? The Minister of Transport, our man Suriya, had a wake-up call when a double-decker bus and a lorry collided on a steep downhill stretch, causing a fire that took seven lives and left over 40 folks injured. Evidently, the bus driver was hauling ass for the road conditions and couldn't slam on the brakes in time, leading to a smash-up that also brewed a fire due to damaged electrical wiring nearby.
Suriya, who's also a deputy prime minister, decided enough was enough and ordered some tough scrutinization of double-decker buses. With safety at the forefront, he imposed a ban on these vehicles from plying along seven notoriously treacherous routes. These routes include Chiang Mai-Doi Nang Kaew, Mae Hong Son-Mae Teep, Pua-Doi Phu Kha National Park, Bo Pho-Khok Ngam, Cho Wo-Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Kabin Buri junction-Wang Nam Khieo, and Khao Pubpa-Phatthalung. These roads are notorious for their winding terrain and sharp curves, rendering them risky for double-decker buses.
In addition to the bus ban, Suriya further directed the authorities and the Department of Highways to install warning signs and rumble strips at potential hotspots, and to confirm that all buses stop for routine inspections at designated checkpoints. He emphasized that the Department of Land Transport must stringently limit the registration of new double-decker buses to ensure both regular and chartered services maintain the highest safety standards for passengers and road users.
This move is a prudent reaction to the Highway 304 tragedy, which has sparked calls for increased road safety and precipitated a reappraisal of double-decker buses' role on certain routes. Safety—not efficiency—is the priority, as the Minister and his team strive to avoid future tragedies.
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Enrichment Insights:- Following the fatal crash involving a double-decker bus in Thailand, the Ministry of Transport introduced a ban on double-decker bus operation on seven danger-prone routes, known for their challenging terrain and sharp curves.- The decision came after the collision on Highway 304 between a double-decker bus and a lorry, which resulted in a fire that claimed seven lives and left 40 injured.- Preventive measures were also implemented on these routes, such as the installation of warning signs and rumble strips, to heighten driver alertness and road safety.- The policy adjustment reflects a safety-first approach in the wake of the Highway 304 tragedy, aiming to protect both passengers and road users.- In addition to the ban and safety measures, the Department of Land Transport was instructed to strictly limit the registration of new double-decker buses.
[1] "Thailand prohibits double-decker buses from dangerous routes after fatal crash on Highway 304." (2021). The Bangkok Post. [Online]. Available: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2140261/thailand-prohibits-double-decker-buses-from-dangerous-routes-after-fatal-crash-on-highway-304
[2] "Double-decker buses banned from dangerous routes in Thailand." (2021). The Nation. [Online]. Available: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403173
[3] "Thailand bans double-decker buses on certain routes after crash." (2021). Reuters. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-bans-double-decker-buses-on-certain-routes-after-crash-2021-12-22/
[4] "Double-decker buses banned on high-risk routes in Thailand." (2021). The Pattaya News. [Online]. Available: https://thepattayanews.com/thailand-news/double-decker-buses-banned-on-high-risk-routes-in-thailand/
- Following the car-accidents on Highway 304, where a double-decker bus was involved, the Ministry of Transport decided to impose a ban on double-decker buses from operating on seven dangerous routes, such as Chiang Mai-Doi Nang Kaew and Mae Hong Son-Mae Teep.
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