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2,000 road deaths despite shutdowns
Despite several parts of the country being under lockdown or travel restrictions for several months last year, more than 2,000 people were killed in traffic accidents.
Accidents dropped by less than a third despite the long shutdowns, with 2,095 deaths last year compared to 2,852 deaths in 2019, according to police statistics.
Traffic and Road Safety Director, Senior Superintendent Indika Hapugoda, said reckless driving, unskilled drivers, speeding and alcohol caused most accidents, with lack of discipline by both drivers and pedestrians being the major factor.
A total of 376,194 drivers were arrested for traffic violations last year. There were 93,515 drink driving cases, police said.
“Even though, statistically, there is a drop in fatalities we can’t be happy because many parts of the country were closed down, schools were closed and many travel restrictions were imposed. In such a situation, proportionally, there were a higher number of accidents,” Transportation Ministry advisory committee member and former chairman of the National Council for Road Safety, Dr. Sisira Kodagoda, said.
“Drivers should know how to assess speed and control of the vehicle and not drive for more than four hours at a stretch. They should take a break.” He said health experts said a break of 10 hours was advisable.
Dr. Kodagoda said motorcycles and three-wheelers were the most perilous forms of road transport, but added: “However, the massive fines which are to be imposed on vehicle drivers, let alone three-wheeler drivers, may curb indiscipline, reckless or drink-driving”.
“We need stricter laws and must enforce them through effective communication and fines,” Dr. Kodagoda said.
Pix by Romesh Madushanka and Jude Samantha