Drunk drivers will face harsher penalties starting next year, announced Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who also mentioned that the ministry plans to collaborate with the Interior Ministry to escalate the penalties.
Expressing his concerns yesterday, Mr. Suriya highlighted the ongoing issues with traffic accidents, especially those involving drunk driving, drivers distracted by smartphones, drowsiness, speeding, and other traffic violations.
According to the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, data from the previous New Year’s period reported 284 deaths and 2,307 injuries due to traffic accidents.
Mr. Suriya noted that the ministry, in coordination with various agencies, is pushing for legislative changes that would include tougher penalties for drunk driving, aimed at eliminating opportunities for suspended sentences and thus reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries.
He pointed out that the existing law, effective for more than two years now, has not adequately addressed the problem of repeat offenders.
He emphasized the necessity of stringent law enforcement to ensure effectiveness.
The forthcoming law is designed to tighten regulations and enhance the enforcement of punishments, focusing on reducing leniency and guaranteeing more rigorous application.
Upon completion, the ministry intends to present the proposal to the cabinet for endorsement.
In preparation for the holiday season, the ministry has directed departments such as Land Transport, Airports, Marine, Highways, Rural Roads, and Rail Transport to ensure public safety and smooth travel, aiming to avert accidents.
The ministry has set a goal to lower accident rates during the New Year celebration, with a particular focus on achieving zero accidents in public transport.
Starting this week through January 5, an estimated 2.3 million passengers are anticipated to utilize public transportation, marking an increase of 12.99% over last year.
Agencies overseeing public transport have been instructed to verify that vehicles, especially buses, comply with safety regulations.
Additionally, local administrative bodies are tasked with maintaining all railway crossings to help prevent accidents.
