Fresh new year, same old habits?
Drivers are wired to follow rules set forth by traffic marshals of respective countries, but what if on-road habits take precedence over what makes sense?
Over the course of 3 years driving consistently in Thailand clocking around 60,000km, we have identified 3 driving habits that might not make sense in some markets, but could very well save our lives if practiced in the Land of Smiles!
Collapse your wing mirrors at traffic junctions
When we activate the opening and closing of wing mirrors, they primarily represent your vehicle’s lock status. But imagine ploughing through static traffic and motorcycles weaving through lanes at 30 bikes per minute (no joke!). When you approach a traffic junction and get caught in one of many 240-second traffic lights It will be advisable to collapse them for the sake of your mirrors, and also to generate more consistency for the typical motorcycle “weave work” - a momentum that benefits everyone around you. Most motorcyclists will return a friendly nodding gesture to acknowledge your “good manners”, however wrong or right it might sound!
Keep a close watch on shoulder lanes
Welcome to Thailand, where shoulder lanes are packed with daredevils during peak hours as they serve as an additional lane once “proper” lanes are filled to the brim. Although cameras were imposed in recent years to punish shoulder lane overtakers, we have seen examples of traffic marshals encouraging shoulder lanes to be used as an additional lane. Does it make sense? No. Is it still happening in 2022? Yes. If you are potting along on the left, slowest lane, we highly recommend you to keep a close watch on your left blind spot and veer towards the right side of the lane. Crazy, but well..
Activate hazard lights during harsher speed reductions
Hazard lights are used in some countries to thank another driver / rider for giving way, but it can also be used to prevent chain collisions on Thai roads. Imagine travelling at 80km/h on the highway but you need to activate harder braking on an incline, possibly during a blind spot at the summit of a bridge or when you tackle a sharper corner. It definitely helps your reaction time when the vehicle in front of you activates the hazard light even for 2 flickers, and it will undoubtedly warn the vehicle behind you to brake as soon as possible if you initiate the hazards. Hazard lights are not only used for the 5-minute durian run - it can save your asset, and lives too.
Drive safe, krub!
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