Motorists advised to check insurance, engines for New Year driving

BANGKOK, Dec 24 (TNA) – Motorists planning to travel to upcountry during the next weekend's New Year celebrations are urged to check that their car insurance has not expired and that their vehicles' engines are running well, a senior official said Sunday.

Chantra Purnariksha, director general of Commerce Ministry's Insurance Department, said upcountry traffic is expected to be heavy as people return home to celebrate the long New Year weekend with their families, and that road accidents are expected to be high.

Car owners, said Mrs. Chantra, should check that their car insurance is still valid and be sure that their vehicles' engines are also in perfect condition. While travelling, motorists should follow traffic laws strictly and refrain from drinking alcohol.

Mrs. Chantra said that Insurance Department provincial offices have been asked to inform motorists to understand better of having their cars insured and to help road accident victims claiming compensation for damage from insurance firms.

TNA