I am grateful to Ally Taylor for his consent to my writing some commentary on his Thailand video, Death by Design.
The video is 23 minutes long and shows many aspects of dangerous driving in Thailand. My observations are based on my experience as a senior observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists in the UK, and knowledge gained on advanced police driving courses. There is a time stamp associated with each comment.
It may be helpful to read the comments while watching Ally’s video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUaog3TWuQc&tv
0.38 a biker cutting across the 3rd lane to complete his U-turn right in front of a car in that lane.
0.43 this biker moves from lane 2 to lane 3 then to lane 1 as he overtakes a car.
1.14 car pulling out from lane 2 to 3.
1.40 bikers cutting diagonally across the road.
2.17 no signalling by biker.
2.26 no signalling by biker. the car could have pulled out quite safely.
3.09 a biker riding towards oncoming traffic, then at 3.17 crosses diagonally to join the other carriageway at the U-turn.
3.30 another biker doing the same thing, then turning right into the gas station.
7.00 car at the U-turn forcing oncoming cars to stop, more cars follow him.
8.39 cutting across again and blocking the view of the bikers’ attempting the U-turn.
9.33 bikers having to queue in lane 3 as no room in the slip lane.
10.34 notice how cars in lane 3 are swerving to avoid bikers trying to use the U-turn.
12.42 not signally or incorrect signalling
13.08 cars having to back up in lane 3 because slip road for the U-turn is full.
19.42 a car flashing his lights to allow the car at the U-turn to come out. Best to stop but not flash your lights. It could be misinterpreted.
What Thai Drivers Could Learn from Advanced Driving Techniques
1. The most important skill for Thais to gain is to drive at a speed which allows them to stop within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear.
They need to overcome their inborn addiction to Mae Pen Rai and Not Losing Face. From the cradle to school, to university and to the workplace, they are taught that Thais have the freedom to do as they will. It doesn’t matter what they do. Nothing is that serious, not even their own safety on the roads. Learning safety techniques, particularly from foreigners, may cause them to lose Face. That will never do.
That’s not to say that the quest for freedom is a bad thing. However, I’d like to see them ignoring their desire never to lose Face and to accept constructive comment.
2. Be aware of other road users. Show consideration and Respect (Napteuh)
Look as far forward as you can. Begin in the far distance and then look closer to your car, keeping on eye on anything happening in your peripheral vision. Particularly bikers passing you on your left or right or coming towards you, as in Ally’s clip at 3.09
In my view, there is too much of the Thai #MeToo attitude. Advanced driving techniques teach drivers and riders to be considerate of other road users and not put them to any inconvenience or danger. Look at 7.00 in the video.
3. Overtake with safety.
Check your mirrors before overtaking or switching lane. Inside mirror first, then nearside mirror and right-side mirror. With practice that can take just 4 seconds. Quickly do a shoulder check, glancing behind you to make sure there are no vehicles in your blind spots. Then move smartly. A few seconds later you could find a biker suddenly appearing.
When overtaking, ensure you have room to pull in safely after the overtake, not forcing the overtaken car to slow down or oncoming cars to brake.
4. Always be in the right position on the road.
Don’t move to right or left when driving in a lane unless you check there are no vehicles there. (mirrors, shoulder check, signal). Keep in a straight line.
To get better vision of the road ahead, keep as far to the left of your lane on approaching a right bend, keep as far to the right for a left-hand bend. Tis increases visibility on the radius of the bend. Legally, you should not go over the centre white line. For even better forward vision, I often position my vehicle on the “wrong” side of the road if it is safe to do so. But, generally, that is not recommended.
You should very slightly accelerate on the actual bend as this improves vehicle stability and never brake on a bend. Braking should only be carried out when travelling with the wheels pointing straight forward.
5. There are some excellent professional Thai drivers.
Take a look sometime at the skillful drivers of articulated lorry drivers reversing into narrow sois, and the fast but safe driving of royal protection officers which you can watch at the video link above.
6. Some useful tips
Watch for doors opening and give them a wide berth, watch for cars in lane 3 moving into lane 2 when you’re moving from lane 1 to lane 2, watch for cars pulling out at junctions. Try to get eye contact whenever possible. That gives you a good indication of drivers’ intentions.
Flashing your headlights means you’re coming through in Thailand. Although most Thais think it’s aggressive, use your horn to indicate your presence when you are drawing attention to an unsafe situation, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
7. For more videos and blogs by Ally Taylor I recommend the following link.
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