Surin: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has brought attention to a case involving a pickup truck recklessly crossing a railway crossing, an incident that occurred in 2016. The court’s ruling identified the truck driver’s sole responsibility for the accident and ordered compensation exceeding 200,000 baht. This case underscores the importance of adhering to legal protocols to safeguard the state’s interests and ensure the safety of passengers and officials.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident took place on April 19, 2016, at approximately 9:20 a.m., involving local train number 421 at the level crossing between Lamchi and Surin stations in Surin Province. An investigation revealed that the pickup truck driver neglected to stop at the intersection despite the presence of clear warning signs. This action was deemed negligent, violating Section 63 of the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522, as the driver failed to slow down or stop at least 5 meters from the railway.
The train driver, who adhered to all safety protocols such as sounding the horn and using brakes, was unable to prevent the collision due to the short distance. Consequently, the pickup truck was thrown off the track, causing injuries to the driver and damages totaling over 250,000 baht. The Surin Provincial Court ruled that the driver was solely negligent and ordered the pickup truck driver and vehicle owner to pay damages amounting to 272,615.79 baht, with additional interest and legal costs.
The SRT has reiterated the critical importance of obeying traffic laws, particularly at railway crossings. Such negligence not only endangers the driver but also affects public transportation systems, train services, and passenger safety. This incident highlights the repercussions of driver negligence, which extend beyond personal damages to impacting state property and leading to legal liabilities.
Furthermore, the SRT governor has called for regular inspections of railway crossings to ensure the functionality of warning signs and safety equipment. Emphasizing accident prevention, he urged local officials to collaborate with administrative bodies to maintain safety standards and increase public awareness at the community level.