News
Sri Lanka pays a price for motor vehicle accidents
View(s):By Kevin De Alwis
Sri Lanka has witnessed a disturbing rise in road traffic accidents, triggering serious concerns for public safety and the economic impact.
During the first six months of this year 1,154 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents. A total of 11,727 road accidents were reported during this period.
Rohana Ajith Gunarathne, chairman of the National Council for Road Safety in Sri Lanka said wrong attitudes of drivers is the main reason for road traffic accidents.
The increasing number of vehicles in Sri Lanka — 8.4 million vehicles according to the National Council for Road Safety — contributes to congestion and a higher likelihood of accidents.
Mr. Gunarathne said poorly maintained roads, insufficient signage, and lack of proper lighting, worsen the problem.
Factors such as reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs also can be identified as significant contributors.
Distracted driving, particularly due to mobile phone use, inadequate driver training, pedestrian negligence, adverse weather, and poor public transport management play substantial roles in the rising accident rates.
The impact of road accidents extends beyond the immediate loss of life where road accidents lead to financial instability for many families who lose their primary breadwinners. Those injured have to contend with long-term medical care and rehabilitation needs. Among those who die are young people and schoolchildren.
Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana highlighted the significant increase in treatment costs due to road traffic accidents.
He said that about 12,000 die from accidents every year. Nearly 3,000 of these deaths are specifically attributed to road traffic accidents.
He said there is the additional burden of a large number of accident survivors suffering disabilities. There are healthcare costs, cost of emergency response, and loss of productivity.
To combat the rise in road traffic accidents, a comprehensive approach is essential. Upgrading and maintaining road infrastructure with proper signage, lighting, and pedestrian crossings are crucial.
Mr. Gunarathne said funds have been allocated and more signage and signboards are to be installed jointly with the RDA. Stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including the use of speed cameras and breathalyser checkpoints, along with harsher penalties for violations, can deter reckless driving and driving under the influence.
Mr. Gunarathne, chairman of the National Council for Road Safety in Sri Lanka said Rs 50 million has been allocated to the police for the purchase of speed control equipment.
Public awareness campaigns on road safety and the dangers of distracted driving are needed. Improved driver education and training programmes, periodic re-certification, and regulating vehicle safety standards through regular inspections are vital.
Technologies also offer solutions to mitigate road accidents. The National Institute of Health in the United States of America identified promoting the use of vehicles equipped with advanced safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). These would be ideal solutions to reduce the severity of accidents.
The rise in road accidents requires a comprehensive approach. By strengthening law enforcement, improving infrastructure, raising public awareness, and using technology, Sri Lanka can work to reduce road traffic tragedies.
| Two MPs involved in road accidents escape unhurt Two MPs who met with separate road accidents yesterday (13) escaped unhurt. All Ceylon People’s Congress leader and MP for the Wanni District, MP Rishad Bathiudeen, was involved in a vehicle accident at Karuwalagaswewa. Although none of the passengers was injured, police said that the vehicle was extensively damaged. The minister’s jeep had collided with a motorcyclist while travelling from Puttalam to Vavuniya. The motorcyclist had not sustained major injuries but was admitted to the Puttalam Base Hospital. Police said the driver of the vehicle had lost control, causing the vehicle to fall into a ditch. Meanwhile, the vehicle MP Dilan Perera was travelling in met with an accident near the Gelanigama interchange of the Southern Expressway. Three others involved in the accident sustained injuries. | |
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