The traffic chaos that accompanies Thingyan in Yangon.

HOWEVER you plan to celebrate Thingyan, it is important to be aware of your safety and the safety of those around you – a fun time can easily turn into a tragedy.

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of accidents at Thingyan. Most people assume that alcohol and the festival must go together but this is not so, particularly for those who will be driving a vehicle during the water festival.

Drivers need to be more alert than usual among the merrymakers on the streets. In big cities like Yangon and Mandalay, the roads and streets are usually packed with many vehicles and people.

The Yangon Division Traffic Rule Enforcement Committee has announced it will be testing drivers with a breathalyser, which detects alcohol, and fine them if they have been drinking. Authorities also restricts the selling of liquor illegally.
Thingyan is a particularly bad time for car accidents. Statistics from the Yangon Division Wireless and Traffic Police Force show there were 55 accidents and five people lost their lives during the 2006 festival.

Even if you don’t plan on driving during Thingyan, you should know your limit in regards to alcohol. Fighting, which is not in the spirit of the festival, occurs mostly because of drunkards. It is not good to see anger and bitterness during what is a lovely event.

There is another thing for drivers to be aware of – the health of their vehicle. It is a good idea to check the vehicle before you hit the crowded roads.

But instead of checking the vehicle’s condition, drivers often modify their cars to draw attention. One custom of Thingyan is to remove the roof of the vehicle, particularly if it is a van. Authorities said this practise is acceptable but they will be fining the owners of vehicles that have doors or number plates removed. The fine is K51,500.

Getting caught in a traffic jam on the way to a pandal is always frustrating for revellers wanting to enjoy themselves during the festival. Being under the heat of the sun, in an open van, moving at the speed of a tortoise is not only exhausting for the people in the van but also boring for the people on pandals, as they are throwing water at the same people for a long time.

So festival-goers don’t suffer the earth-shattering experience of drying in the sun while trying to get to Inya Road or University Road, authorities usually make some roads one-way during the festival to reduce traffic jams.

Another safety issue is fashion, which is an important part of Thingyan. Naturally, young people want to be stylish, in the latest designs, but they should wear practical clothing as well. Especially for girls, keeping away from designs that invite trouble is definitely a good idea.

There are also restrictions, announced every year, banning the use of water balloons, ice packs, liquid soap and compressor pumps, with punishments ranging from a fine to imprisonment.

Throwing water is only allowed between 7am and 6pm and this is strictly enforced.

New announcement of rules and regulations for Thingyan are expected soon.