by Rick NELSON
ISB Safety Manager
rickn@isb.ac.th
Road Safety Alert!
In recent weeks we have had a number of “near misses” between motor vehicles (automobiles, golf carts, etc.) and pedestrians. Everyone in our community must take responsibility for driving, riding and using our roadways safely and defensively. ISB community members should make sure all family members, drivers, nannies, taxi drivers and guests know and follow these guidelines. Here are a few critical road rules that must be followed:
1) ISB pedestrian crossings and gates are not for vehicle drop-off or pick-up of students. No driver should ever pull over, stop and/or park in the designated bike paths or cross-walks at ISB or anywhere in Nichada Thani. For safety and security reasons, when arriving at ISB all vehicle drop-offs and pick-ups should take place inside the ISB vehicle gates and at the designated vehicle pull up area.
2) Unless crossing at designated road crossings, all bicyclists and pedestrians should stay in designated bike lanes or sidewalks. When bicyclists or walkers go out on the road way they are immediately exposing themselves to traffic coming from behind and towards them.
3) Before turning right on any road, bicyclists and walkers should stop first and make sure no vehicle is approaching from behind. Look both ways, and only when clear, cross the road (preferably in a designated crosswalk area). One area that reports higher levels of risk is the right-turn off the main Nichada Thani road (when departing ISB) that goes down past the church, lake and Garden Condominium/Samakee Garden Apartments. Pedestrians are advised to use extreme caution when making this turn and drivers are encouraged to watch for pedestrians/bicyclists coming out on the road and attempting to turn right.
4) Drivers – No Speeding! The Speed Limit in Nichada Thani is a maximum of 30 KPH.
5) Bicyclists – Please wear your Helmet! It is astonishing to see the number of children and adults who continue to ride their bikes to and from school not wearing a helmet. The research is clear that this is one of the more simple prevention steps we can take to minimize injuries in the event of bike accidents. By far, most bicycle deaths occur to those people not wearing helmets. In addition, most bike accidents occur very close to home. It takes 21 days to form a habit…get in the habit of always putting your helmet on and keeping it on when biking. Having your hair messed is nothing compared to a permanent head injury, spinal cord injury or loss of life. Don’t assume it can’t happen to you – even on a short ride to school.