18 dead and 39 injured in two bus crashes
It was hit again on the Thai roads this week. Two buses were involved in an accident. The accident in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday night left 18 passengers dead and 32 injured. The driver has tested positive for the use of methamphetamine (speed).
He himself indicated that the accident was due to brake failure, but he drove 80 km on the winding road, according to the GPS system, which is too fast during the descent in hilly terrain.
Prime Minister Prayut demands stricter checks on buses and drivers. "They should be replaced if they are unfit to go on the road," the prime minister said during his visit to Nong Bua Lam Phu yesterday.
Early yesterday morning things went wrong again in Ayutthaya with a double-decker bus transporting fifty students and teachers. 39 passengers were injured, including the driver. Police suspect the bus skidded because the road surface was slippery.
Double-decker buses are often involved in accidents, especially in mountainous areas. That's because they are unstable. A few years ago, Transport Minister Arkhom announced that the Prime Minister had banned the registration of new double-decker buses, but there were already 20.000 in Thailand at that time.
Source: Bangkok Post
A new superstructure is mounted on an old chassis.
There is also no mandatory inspection every 6 months.
This is asking for problems.
There is a big misunderstanding all the time about double decker buses. The problem lies with the driver, the bus will “slop” at too high a speed. This can be compared to a truck transporting hanging meat. You really need to learn how to drive this. Coach is not unstable he is top heavy for a moment.
I had to think openly of the “solution” that was found with the mini-buses (approximately 10 people), with which accidents regularly took place/find. They were…unstable?
So “midi buses” had to be replaced. More people could also fit in there.
They also ignored the real problem: the figures behind the wheel. They are often = as now again – on the stimulants (?) substances. And if things go wrong, there will of course be more victims. So midi buses, double-deckers or minibuses: in most cases it really depends on the driver whether the ride goes well. Because even driving in the rain is an art.
Incidentally: that driver who used speed and therefore killed 18 people and caused a large number of (serious) injuries, should, in my opinion, get a life sentence. The company should also be sanctioned.
I wonder if we'll ever hear about that again.
Those double-deckers are also totally unsuitable for use in Thailand. Winding, sloping and narrow roads. Yesterday I drove behind one of those brand new buses that had to turn right at a narrow intersection. Look carefully, I said to my wife. He managed it but it involved hanging and strangling. At first we thought that the bus would tip over, but it went well.
Disagree completely with Emily. A double-decker is simply less stable. Everyone knows that and Emel says so too. The more stability, the easier it is for the driver to control things. Banning double-decker buses makes it safer. Drivers are of course also reckless in Thailand and drive way too fast, and something needs to be done about that, but in addition to good driver training, sound material is one of the first requirements.
In addition, there is plenty of drinking and apparently stimuli are also used. Expect heavy penalties and, of course, also apply (quick justice) in case of serious violations. This brings me to the biggest problem in Thailand ...... the police are worth absolutely nothing, the police must enforce and therefore hand out fines. It is a management problem here in Thailand and Prayut and his associates are in fact the big sinners, because they shout loudly but do not get anything done. Very big suckers in a “third world country”.
As far as traffic is concerned, the speed must be reduced, so thresholds, traffic lights, cameras that are also used for fines, vehicle checks, proper training, etc. etc. Not expensive and all very effective.
Stay tuned, double-decker buses are designed for long distances to get from a to b. And upper deck is used for passengers. Below deck is furnished for "relaxation". Cities are often not equipped to receive these coaches. But, unfortunately, money (read turnover) is a priority factor.
There are considerably fewer accidents in Europe, the reason: good training.
@theoS maybe now you understand more "stay tuned, double deckers are designed for long distances to get from a to b"