What precautions should we take when travelling in wet weather?

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides which have blocked or damaged roads and caused traffic holdups. To reduce the risk of accidents, drivers should take note of weather forecasts and be prepared for hazardous conditions. Vientiane Times asked members of the public what steps they were taking to guard against accidents.
 

Mr Khamphan Phanpadid, a resident of Luang Namtha province:  During the rainy season, heavy rains can occur at any time and many places are susceptible to flooding. We have to be careful and be prepared before taking to the road so that we’re not caught out by sudden landslides or flooding. We should follow the weather forecasts on radio, television, social media and in newspapers. The authorities should closely monitor roads that are at risk of landslides or other hazards and warn the public immediately if there are any incidents. Bus and truck drivers need to pay particular attention to road and weather conditions. They should have plans in place to protect themselves, their passengers and the goods they are carrying in the event of an emergency. And, of course, if something does go wrong everyone should work together to help rescue people and quickly inform the authorities.
 
Ms Baithong, a resident of Champassak province: Many roads in the north are at risk of landslides and flash floods because they are located in mountainous areas and near rivers. To avoid accidents and reduce the risk of landslides, there should be a designated group or unit that regularly monitors certain roads and checks for incidents. If there’s a problem, the authorities should get to the scene quickly and sort it out. The authorities should also be responsible for helping people if there’s a flash flood or a landslide. There should be a hotline number that people can call to provide information about landslips, flooding or anything else, to help reduce dangers and problems.
 
Mr Noy, an employee in Xayaboury province: When travelling south or north, everyone should be aware of road safety and avoid the risks and problems associated with landslides. I have heard about landslides on roads this year, especially in the north. Roads can be affected at any time due to heavy rain and landslides, which cause accidents and make conditions difficult for vehicles and drivers. Before travelling, motorists should check weather forecasts so they know what to be prepared for.

Ms Kongsaeng, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: It’s not only roads in the north and south that get damaged. Roads in Vientiane are also affected by heavy rain. Everyone should go to work early and drive more slowly, in order to reduce the risk of accidents. And all drivers should be considerate, so as to prevent incidents and be respectful of other road users. Everyone should be careful when driving to the provinces in wet weather because accidents or landslides can occur at any time. If a journey’s not really necessary, we shouldn’t attempt to travel during heavy rain. It’s good that the government is paying attention to this issue and is reminding all parties to try to prevent problems and provide help when people get into difficulties.
 
Ms Da, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: It’s normal for floods and landslides to occur in the rainy season. But we should be better prepared and try to prevent them or reduce their impact. Landslides waste people’s time and in the worst case can damage vehicles and may even result in deaths. The authorities need to closely monitor and investigate any incidents that occur and try to resolve any problems that arise.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 23, 2022)