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WHO: Thailand Deadliest Roads in Asia, India the Highest in the World

A World Health Organization (WHO) report highlighted that Thailand has the highest road accident death rate among Asian countries.
However, India saw the most killed in road accidents.
Road accidents is now the Number 1 cause of death for children and adults up to 29 years old.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published their annual Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018. In the report, Thailand still has the deadliest roads in Asia while India saw the greatest number of lives lost in traffic accidents.

Although published in 2018, the report provides data collected from 175 countries in 2016.

Thailand’s status as the second deadliest roads in the world has improved to eighth with 32.7 deaths per 100,000 citizens. A whopping 74.4% (16,178) of the 21,745 killed were drivers/passengers of 2-wheeled vehicles. Traffic accidents kill an average of 21,491 persons in the country each year.

Risks of Renting a Motorcycle in Thailand and How to Insure Yourself

Eight African countries and one South American nation join Thailand in the Top 10.

In terms of pure numbers, however, the Indian subcontinent saw an almost unbelievable 150,785 reported deaths. Conversely, the WHO believes many more fatalities were probably unreported and as many as 299,091 were killed on India’s roads. The country’s population of over 1.3 billion people had the effect of lowering the rate to 22.6 per 100,000.

By comparison, China has the second highest total number of reported deaths from traffic accidents at 58,022 among her 1.4 billion citizens. Again, the WHO believes that an estimated total of 256,180 were killed in 2016. China’s road death rate was 18.2/100,000.

Malaysia’s road death rate is still high but has seen much improvements at 23.6/100,000 with a total of 7,152 reported cases. There was no official number in the report, but it is widely believed that some 60% of all traffic-related deaths involve motorcycles.

Our neighbor Indonesia reported 31,282 traffic deaths in that year. Fatalities on two-wheel vehicles contributed 73.6% to the total figure. However, they have a low rate at 12.2/100,000 due to their large 261 million population.

The WHO added that traffic accidents are now the leading cause of death among children and adults up to 29 years old, and 8^thhighest among people of all ages. At 1.35 million deaths each year, more die in road accidents than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases. The situation is worsening and a person is killed every 24 seconds somewhere in the world.

Sobering thoughts for 2019.

Source: World Health Organization

MotoGP 2019: Jorge Lorenzo says Honda Suits Him Better

Jorge Lorenzo has finally spoken about his first impressions on the Repsol Honda.
He rode it at the Valencia and Jerez post-season tests last year.
He joins Marc Marquez as part of Honda’s assault on the MotoGP championship next year.

Jorge Lorenzo says the Honda RC213V suits him better than the Ducati Desmosedici.

The five-time World Champion shocked almost everyone when he announced his switch from the Ducati MotoGP team to the Repsol Honda beginning this year. He took over Dani Pedrosa’s reins in the team after the latter announced his retirement from competitive riding.

Lorenzo has since ridden the Honda RC213V during the Valencia and Jerez post-2018 season tests. However, this was the first time he spoke out as his contract with Ducati expired at the end of 2018.

“Last season I rode a completely different bike, that was very big and very tall,” Lorenzo said. “Maybe it was a little too big for me. The Honda suits me better in terms of its dimensions. It is more compact, a smaller and lower bike, with which I can lean over better.”

“I felt a little more confident when entering corners, because the closer you are to the ground, the more confidence you have. The first impression was positive and I saw a lot of potential there.”

“In those moments your expression speaks for itself. It’s all very exciting, very new and enjoyable. Also, if the initial feeling is good, you can tell even more from your expression.”

Honda made a number of modifications to the bike for Lorenzo by the second test in Jerez.

It included a grippy fuel tank, which was similar to the changes made to the Ducati Desmosedici GP18. He won the Italian MotoGP immediately following the modification.

“One of the things that impressed me most was the ability of the Repsol Honda Team to react, providing what you ask for,” he said. “I was quite clear, Honda took note of all my indications and within a few days they had everything ready and we had a fuel tank almost one hundred percent to my liking.”

Lorenzo knows he has joined the most successful MotoGP team and looks forward to the opportunities that lay ahead of him. Indeed, the Honda team had won 15 riders’ championships, including Marc Marquez’s last year.

“Repsol Honda may be the most successful team in history,” he said. “They have the most victories and titles.”

“To compare them with a football team, they would be a Barcelona or a Real Madrid. There is no team with more titles and more importance worldwide than this one.”

The rider and his new teammate Marc Marquez are set for the first 2019 Winter Test at the Sepang International Circuit from 1^stto 3^rdFebruary 2019.

Source: Crash.net

Cal Crutchlow Signs with HJC Helmets for 2019 to 2020 MotoGP Seasons

Cal Crutchlow and HJC Helmets will partner for the 2019 to 2020 MotoGP seasons.
HJC hopes the rider will contribute towards product development.
HJC Helmets hail from South Korea.

Korean helmet manufacturer HJC Helmets has signed British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow for the 2019 and 2020 MotoGP seasons.

The hard charging Brit came to the premier class in 2011 and continues to contest in the championship with Team LCR Honda in 2019. Crutchlow rewarded the team with three podium finishes, including a win at Argentina in 2018. Unfortunately, an injury from a heavy crash in Australia sidelined him from the final three races of the season.

It’s perhaps symbolic that his first MotoGP win came at the 2016 HJC Helmets Grand Prix České Republiky. In the helmet manufacturer’s press release, they hope Crutchlow could contribute more podium finishes, including at the HJC Helmets Grand Prix Deutschland 2019.

HJC also looks forward to the rider being a vital part of their racing program in contributing towards product development. HJC has been in business for 47 years and have been working closely with Marvel Comics lately.

“I am very pleased to announce my new partnership with HJC Helmets. They’ve grown their presence in the MotoGP paddock over the past few years, sponsoring races and I’m happy to join the family. Despite being a huge company, they haven’t lost the personal approach and relationship, and this means a lot to me. Their helmet is a great product and I’m looking forward to working with them to continue to develop and evolve their design,” Crutchlow said.

Mr. W. K. Wong, Founder and CEO of HJC Helmets said, “HJC is a family business, so when we welcome a new rider they become part of the family. Cal Crutchlow is a very competitive rider who maintains good sportsmanship on and off the track. We look forward to having him join the HJC family and representing HJC Helmets around the world.”

Malaysian Stranded in Thailand Needs RM 200,000

A Malaysian man is stranded in Thailand following an accident.
He needs to pay RM 200,000 to the deceased Thai pedestrian’s family.
He also needs to undergo further medical care for the injuries suffered in the crash.

Yesterday, we ran a story about the type of insurance you need should you rent a scooter or motorcycle in Thailand. We published the article when we heard about a Malaysian couple being pressed to pay RM 200,000.

It turns out that the rider, Abdul Wahab Yahaya, 56, is still stranded in Thailand as he needs to settle that sum of money before he is allowed to leave. His passport is currently withheld by the authorities.

Wahab and his wife were riding on their rented motorcycle on 19^thDecember in Krabi when they hit and killed a local pedestrian. Initially, the Thai’s family demanded a sum of RM 580,000 but lowered the amount to RM 200,000 after negotiations with Abdul Wahab’s lawyer.

According to Thai laws and customs, the vehicle operator bears the responsibility of running into a pedestrian, regardless of either party’s fault. Also, the vehicle operator must compensate for the death of the pedestrian.

According to Abdul Wahab’s son, Amirun, his father was discharged from hospital. However, he still requires follow-up treatments such as removing the sutures inside his mouth and surgery to remove the screw in his cheekbone.

Representatives from the Malaysian Consulate visiting Abdul Wahab – Picture credit Kosmo! Online

Abdul Wahab’s spouse has returned to Malaysia but requires further treatment as she suffered a concussion in the crash.

Furthermore, the Malaysian is required to attend court on 9^thJanuary. The family has since employed a lawyer in Thailand.

Amirun appealed to the Malaysian public on 31^stDecember for assistance in settling the RM 200,000 fee by setting up a fund. It has since collected RM 60,000 by 1^stJanuary. You may contribute by banking in donations to Hasanah Abdul Wahab’s Maybank account 512875516248.

Amirun thanked the Malaysian public for their kind assistance. He is also thankful to the Malaysian Embassy for assisting in the case and sending food to his father.

Let’s pray that Abdul Wahab Yahaya receives a fair hearing and for his quick return to Malaysia.

Source: Kosmo! Online
Picture credit: Kosmo! Online

Why Buy a Honda PCX Electric When You Can Rent it?

Honda Japan will lease-sell the Honda PCX Electric to corporations and sole proprietorships in Japan.
They are targeting lease-selling the bike across Southeast Asia, as well.
The PCX Electric uses two removable batteries.

The Honda PCX Electric will soon be available for lease sale in Asia.

The bike uses the popular PCX platform which has proven its worth in many countries across Asia. The scooter is well-known for its styling, comfort, reliability and fuel economy.

The PCX Electric, on the other hand, uses a 4.2 kW motor. The motor is fed by two 48V high-energy density lithium-ion batteries called Honda Mobile Power Packs, in turn. The batteries are removable for charging outside the vehicle. The owner may also charge with the batteries inside the bike. Honda says the charging time takes approximately 4 hours using the optional charger (batteries out of the bike), and 6 hours with the batteries in the PCX. A full charge provides a range of up to 41 km.

Honda targets corporations and sole proprietors for the lease sales project. Besides that, they are also looking forward to lease-selling the PCX Electric to other countries in Southeast Asia.

The manufacturer will also embark on a project to collect feedback from customers regarding their experience in using an electric scooter. Additionally, a bike-sharing service in the Tokyo district, besides a tourist destination bike-rental service experiment will commence in spring 2019.

Lease sales means one pays the monthly rental for a stipulated amount of time, and the manufacturer will provide a new bike upon the commencement of a new contract.

Vehicle lease sales is currently practiced in many developed countries but has not taken a firm hold in Malaysia.

Risks of Renting a Motorcycle in Thailand and How to Insure Yourself

A Malaysian couple was demanded of RM 400,000 in Thailand after a traffic accident.
They hit and killed a local on a rented motorcycle.
It is customary in Thailand where the foreigner is made to pay up regardless if it’s his fault or otherwise.

This line is oft-repeated, we know, but Thailand is such a hit with Malaysian bikers. However, do remember the risks when you consider renting a motorcycle there. Thailand is the second most dangerous country to drive in.

Our friends at Mekanika.com.my reported about a Malaysian couple who rented a motorcycle in Krabi. Unfortunately, their plans for the perfect vacation was dashed when they hit a local pedestrian. The pedestrian was killed in the accident.

As with local customs, the family of the deceased must be compensated. This is even more true if the party involved is a Farang (foreigner), and it didn’t matter even if it’s not your fault. The couple kena pao (was demanded to pay) more than RM 400,000! The sum was brought down to RM 200,000 after some intense negotiations. The couple needed to also pay for the damaged motorcycle.

This incident wasn’t the first and isn’t likely to be the last, honestly.

We have seen and heard of our riders kena pao for exorbitant amounts throughout his many trips into the Kingdom. Just like the incident above, you are at fault, as long as you are a Farang.

So, how to avoid getting skinned and skimmed?

The best way is not to rent a motorcycle in Thailand. Let’s be realistic, though. Renting one is the easiest way to getting around. But rent it from a shop which offers insurance coverage. The insurance doesn’t break your wallet and you should always get it.

What insurance should I buy when I rent a bike?

Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor): This is a compulsory insurance which covers hospitalization. The shop ought to have insured the rented bike as it is required by the Thai authorities. Try asking for the certificate.
Voluntary Insurance: This insurance covers the vehicle you’re driving, or the third-party vehicle involved, depending on price.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance has always been overlooked by many Malaysians when they travel to anywhere around the world and not just Thailand. It’s not expensive and is easily obtained online. Check with your insurance agent but get one which covers your personal liability against claims from the other party involved in the accident.

What insurance shall I get if I ride my own motorcycle in?

Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor): This is the insurance we pay for at border crossings, along with the Temporary Import Permit, etc. (Please click here for our article on the documents required when riding into Thailand.) It ought to cost RM 18 to RM 20 for 9 days. It usually covers up to THB 80,000.
Voluntary Insurance: It can be purchased along the way to Thailand. Stop at a shop with “INSURANCE” signboard, along the road in Changlun and all the way into Dannok (if you are entering via Bukit Kayu Hitam or Wang Kelian). It’s available at Betong, too.
Endorsement 101: This extends your Malaysian comprehensive insurance to Thailand. However, do note that it covers damages to vehicles only but not bodily injuries. Additionally, it’s only applicable to motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Lastly, the limit of liability of RM 100,000 is only applicable to third party property damage.
Personal Travel Insurance: Please buy it! This writer usually purchases the AIG Travel Guard during his trips, but you may Google for “travel insurance Malaysia.” It usually costs from RM 30 per trip.

In conclusion, it’s always better to be over-insured than not at all.