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Sri Lankans who have undergone and are still undergoing economic challenges in their daily lives are hoping that with better governance their lot will improve in the long run. However, in the short term there are areas where meaningful improvements can be made in their lives. One such area is public transport with an emphasis on comfort, efficiency and safety.

The alarming road accident statistics

On an average about 7 to 8 persons have been losing their lives daily since 2016 due to road accidents. This year, according to media reports, over 2,243 people have lost their lives in road accidents. Beyond the direct loss of life, the aftermath of road accidents has a profound impact on families, particularly those who lose breadwinners, further deepening the socio-economic difficulties many families are already grappling with.

Accidents on the road can be attributed to multiple factors, but a significant one is the lack of discipline among drivers. Reckless driving, ignoring traffic signals, and excessive speed are all rampant, particularly among bus drivers. This lack of adherence to basic traffic rules not only endangers the lives of passengers but also other road users. Media reports have highlighted incidents where buses have ignored traffic signals, leading to fatal accidents. The Duplication Road in Colombo is one road where reckless driving particularly by long distance bus drivers has become a common feature for regular road users.

Distracted driving and other contributing factors

Aside from reckless driving, other factors such as distracted driving are also significant contributors to accidents. Eating, drinking, using mobile phones, or even adjusting the vehicle’s radio while on the move can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to catastrophic results. Additionally, drunk driving and poorly maintained vehicles are contributing factors to the high number of road accidents.

However the good news is that due to close monitoring by the Police incidents of driving under the influence of liquor are reported to have come down.

The role of public transport in mitigating road accidents

One of the most effective ways to reduce road accidents is to improve public transport. A well-managed public transport system can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thus lessening the overall risk of accidents. Buses, trains, and other forms of public transport are essential, not just for their ability to reduce traffic congestion but also for their potential to make roads safer by adhering to regulated schedules and standards.

In Sri Lanka, there is a need for a significant overhaul in how public transport operates. Many bus drivers, as highlighted in reports, are under the influence of narcotics, which impairs their ability to drive safely. This problem must be addressed through better training, stronger regulations, and enforcement of stricter standards. The safety of passengers and pedestrians should be prioritised.

The importance of safe, efficient, and accessible public transport

Improved public transport has a range of benefits beyond road safety. It can contribute to a more productive workforce. Many people, especially in government offices, spend long hours commuting which often takes a toll on their bodies. By improving the reliability and safety of public transport, people would spend less time on the road and more time at work, thus boosting overall productivity.

An efficient public transport system also leads to happier lives for the public. Commuting would be more comfortable and less stressful, and there would be fewer traffic-related injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, the availability of affordable public transport, particularly trains, which were once considered the safest form of travel, can significantly reduce commuting costs and provide a sustainable solution for many.

However, even train travel, which was once regarded as relatively safe, has seen its own set of challenges in recent years. With frequent derailments and other operational issues, the railway system in Sri Lanka requires urgent attention. The focus should be on making trains safer, more reliable, and accessible to the public to maintain the credibility of public transport as a safe mode of travel.

A call for action

In light of the growing number of accidents and the profound impact they have on families and society, there is an urgent need for the authorities to take bold steps towards improving public transport. This includes addressing the issues of reckless driving, ensuring that drivers are properly trained, maintaining vehicles in good condition, and implementing measures to prevent the use of narcotics by bus drivers.

There is also an increase in the number of accidents on upcountry roads. Recently a bus carrying University students met with an accident along the Badulla Dunhinda main road in the Ambagas Oya resulting in the death of three students.

In another accident three victims died when a bus travelling from Kandy to Hatton plunged into a precipice in Maliappuwa, Hatton, leaving a total of 46 people injured.  

A World Bank study titled Delivering Road Safety in Sri Lanka Leadership Priorities and Initiatives to 2030, has spelt out what needs to be done to remedy the situation. The following, inter alia, have been identified as the causative factors: an increase in the number of vehicles, poor road maintenance, improper road expansion, less scrutiny in issuing driving licences, ineffectiveness of the authorities in penalising road traffic offences, and inefficiency of public transport system. Citing anecdotal evidence, the report points out that speeding, drunk driving, fatigue, tyre bursts, animal crossing and unprotected level crossings are some other causes of road accidents. The ever-increasing narcotic addiction among drivers of heavy vehicles has also become one of the main causes of road fatalities.

The President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne himself is on record as having said that 50% bus drivers and conductors are addicted to drugs countrywide.

The focus then must be on improving the infrastructure, efficiency, and accessibility of public transport systems, including both buses and trains. This will not only contribute to safer roads but also ease the daily lives of commuters, reduce economic burdens, and increase productivity across various sectors.

Ultimately, improving public transport is crucial for the well-being of the ordinary people of Sri Lanka. By addressing the challenges related to road safety and making public transport more efficient and reliable, the government can take a significant step towards creating a safer, more prosperous future for all. (javidyusuf@gmail.com)