News
Photo focus: A law unto themselves
85 trishaw drivers and 124 passengers have died in accidents during the first seven months of this year
In today’s society three-wheelers or trishaws as they are popularly known, have become an essential mode of transport for ordinary people.
Yet, the trishaw is also a menace on the country’s roads.
A majority of trishaw drivers behave as if road rules don’t apply to them. Not only does this create traffic chaos, it also puts the lives of the trishaw drivers, their passengers and other members of the public in real danger.
Statistics reveal, 85 trishaw drivers were killed in road accidents in Colombo alone during the first seven months of this year, while 124 trishaw passengers also died in accidents during the same period.
Trishaw drivers however seem unfazed by such numbers.
Many trishaw drivers don’t keep to their lanes; they cut in and out of traffic without warning and sans signals.
Road signs indicating ‘one-way’ streets appear to be just another signboard to be ignored.
Traffic lights to trishaw drivers are minor inconveniences and ‘jumping’ a red light is ok as long as a policeman is not around.
Stopping in the middle of the road to pick up or drop off passengers is the norm rather than the exception.
There seems little the authorities can do. There are just too many trishaws to keep track of, and too many drivers who think breaking the law is fine as long as you don’t get caught.
Some three wheeler drivers like the guy at extreme right think traffic lights are used for decorative purposes
The trishaw has become a menace on the road zig zaging in and out of traffic lanes without the slightest warning
Road signs are often observed in the breach by three wheeler drivers who ignore them if a policeman is not in sight
Stopping in the middle of the road to pick up passengers is fast becoming a norm rather than the exception
