 What do you think about traffic and road safety in Vientiane? Ms Noy, 26, a Vientiane resident, said: "Many accidents that occur in town are caused by those who break the traffic rules. Teenagers often drive very fast and they like to show off, lifting their front wheels in the air, etc... I think the officials should create a traffic-rule campaign in our community. I see many campaigns about preventing HIV. I hope it's not too difficult to campaign about traffic rules and safety. They could even offer incentives like candy or soft drinks for learning the rules appropriately." Mr Boonsuan Thammavongsa, 28, an assistant manager of Xayoh Vang Vieng, said: "I think about half of teenagers break traffic rules. They're a real problem. You're not supposed to have more than two motorbikes near each other, but they often drive with five or more side by side. I wish their parents would give them more advice about driving. Also, if possible, the rules should effect parents when their children break the rules. Parents who let young kids drive have to be responsible for them. I also think officials who are responsible for traffic safety should have a campaign about safety rules aimed at teenagers, especially in the schools in order to make them understand the dangers of careless driving. I think it would help them to understand the importance of safety and maybe even save their life. I think if more people understand the rules the traffic in town will be much more smooth." Mr Bounkeuth Sengvilay, 43, a Vientiane resident, said: "From what I've seen, there are many people still driving carelessly who don't respect the traffic rules. Especially public service drivers in vehicles such as Tuk Tuks and buses. They stop and turn immediately whenever they want, which often causes accidents. It seems they really don't care about the vehicles that are following them. I think the service vehicle drivers should increase their awareness of the traffic rules. Most of them have been driving for a long time, so they should understand how to observe traffic rules. Motorbike drivers are also a traffic problem. They often ride in groups in the middle of the road. It's a real disturbance; they should stick to the side of the road in one lane. If they cross to other lanes, it's an accident risk and blocks other vehicles such as cars or trucks. Also teenagers often don't know the traffic rules or the traffic signs; however they can still ride motorbikes. If there is an accident, the problem is left to officials and parents. I think the officials usually do their work well. However, I think they could be more strict on those who do break the rules. I support officials who do vehicle inspections and try to find the drivers who do not have licences and registration documents. I think officials should educate the people they stop about the rules that they break. If possible, the officials should record their mistakes in the computer so that when they break the rule again, they can check. If they break the rule many times, officials should keep their documents to prevent them from driving for a few months." Ms Lien Singhalad, 56, a resident of Sisavat village, said: "Some people just don't care about the traffic signs. When they see the stop signs, they ignore them and continue driving. I nearly had an accident yesterday because of this. I was driving on Horphakeo road and a Korean pick up came from a smaller road. There was a stop sign there at the road. They didn't pay attention to the stop sign, and my daughter had to stop immediately. If she hadn't, we would have had an accident. I think that every one should be careful while we are driving. I know that every one knows the rules, but they don't want to follow them. If we wait for only the traffic police to keep the rules or look for them to solve all of our traffic problems, it will continue to be difficult. We have to help each other." Mr Phet, 45, a resident of the Nongduang village, said: "I think that the buses should have designated places to stop along the road. If people want to get on or off the bus, they should have to wait at the bus stations or at the bus stops, like in other countries. The bus shouldn't stop if there is not an official stopping place. Right now the buses always stop immediately, making the vehicles at the back slam on their brakes or sometimes crash into the back of the bus." Ms Mone, 52, a resident of Dongnaxok, said: "I would like all drivers to pay attention to each other. When they get to red traffic lights, they should stop to allow drivers in other lanes to go, and they should also slow down when they reach junctions without traffic lights and signs. I think these types of actions show the character of good drivers. If people drive without thinking about each other, it will make traffic jams because everyone wants to go at the same time, and no one stops." |
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