Motor Expo 2026

[Illustrative image not related to the incident]

We often hear tragic news of accidents where cars stopped on the expressway are rear-ended, resulting in fatalities and people falling from the expressway. And most recently (again!), a broken-down car was hit by a Fortuner that illegally overtook from the left, causing it to fall off the expressway, resulting in death! From numerous tragic incidents, the main cause continues to be "overtaking on the left." Therefore, let this latest incident be the last, and let it serve as a cautionary tale.

Therefore, I want all drivers to remember:  "Stop overtaking on the shoulder" because the shoulder is not a normal driving lane. The shoulder is only for emergency broken-down vehicles to request assistance! You will see that most accidents result from driving and overtaking on the left, then colliding with a broken-down car. Are the consequences worth it? Now, let's look at what to do if an emergency occurs on an expressway, such as running out of fuel, a flat tire, a broken-down car, or an accident, etc.?

Instructions

● Stay calm and try to steer the car (if it can still move) as close to the shoulder as possible. 

● Turn on the hazard warning lights (emergency lights) at all times

● If a mobile phone can be used, call for assistance from inside the car at the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT Call Center) by dialing 1543, without getting out of the car.

● If a mobile phone cannot be used, use the emergency phones installed by EXAT on the expressway shoulder every 500-1,000 meters to call for assistance, then return to wait in your car and keep your seatbelt fastened at all times.

● Do not! Absolutely do not attempt to stand outside the car.

For other road users 

● Let's look at why? Don't... overtake on the left Many drivers often try to take advantage of other road users to get to their destination as quickly as possible, even though other cars also want to arrive quickly. However, there are still rude and selfish drivers. When traffic is congested, others queue up for a long distance, but these ill-mannered drivers find a way to create a new lane. Once one car opens it, many others follow. For such behavior, don't claim to be "in a hurry." Don't forget, everyone else is also in a hurry, but most choose not to do what you do! So stop! Overtaking on the left to create a new lane is not only dangerous (potentially fatal) but also illegal. Click to read about other behaviors here

● Why "emergency lights" are not for indiscriminate use. Click to read here

If possible, I would like road users to see the importance of a "reflective warning triangle." Keep one in your car, because an emergency like a "broken-down car" never chooses a time or place. And especially if you are on high-speed roads such as expressways, motorways, highways, etc., it's not the time for us to get out and wave signals to oncoming cars. But if we have this equipment in our car, it can at least ease the severity a little! I guess I should get one for my car too.

However, EXAT requests cooperation from expressway users to drive carefully and strictly adhere to traffic laws for your safety. If you have any complaints or useful suggestions, please contact the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT Call Center) by dialing 1543, 24 hours a day.

Source: www.exat.co.th