CHIANG RAI – An elderly motorist narrowly escaped injury yesterday after crashing his sedan directly into a roadside power pole in downtown Chiang Rai. Local police officers rushed to the scene on Singhakai Road following reports of a severe single-vehicle accident.
The incident occurred right in front of a busy construction supply store in the Mueang district. First responders discovered a Honda sedan with its front end completely crushed against the concrete utility structure.
Key Takeaways
- The Incident: A 71-year-old man crashed his Honda sedan into a power pole in Chiang Rai on July 7, 2026.
- The Cause: The driver experienced sudden confusion, stepping on the accelerator pedal instead of the vehicle’s brake.
- The Outcome: The front of the car sustained heavy damage, but fortunately, no injuries were reported from the scene.
- The Warning: Authorities are urging elderly motorists using automatic vehicles to verify their gear and pedal positions before moving.
The 71-year-old driver was found at the steering wheel in a severe state of shock but completely unharmed. Police officers confirmed that no other motorists or pedestrians on the busy road sustained injuries during the afternoon crash.
During initial questioning, the driver admitted to experiencing sudden confusion regarding the vehicle’s foot controls. He intended to press the brake pedal but mistakenly slammed his foot down on the gas pedal instead. This error caused the automatic car to surge forward with intense speed before slamming into the pole.
Local traffic police stated that this accident serves as a critical warning for people operating automatic transmission vehicles. Incidents involving pedal confusion happen frequently when drivers panic or face unexpected distractions on urban roads. Officials recommend that senior drivers always double-check their foot placement and gear selection before pressing down on any pedals.
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