Increase in Road Traffic Accidents during Travel Restrictions in Sri Lanka

During last 24 hour- 6 deaths reported due to road traffic accidents. This is the highest death count in a single day during travel restrictions.

Police spokesman DIG Rohana said that about 10 to 15 people were killed in road accidents every day during April month and that the number could be as high as 3,650 a year. Earlier it was 6 or 7 deaths every day due to road traffic accidents. The police spokesman said it is possible to save those lives and requested the motorists to drive in strict accordance with the rules of the road and to drive carefully and attentively on the road.

File Photo – Ampara Traffic Police chief injured due to drunk driving accident

Increase in Road Accidents in Sri Lanka.
* A road Accident in Sri Lanka every 10 minutes.
* Daily 8 Persons killed in Road Accidents.
* Every 3 days, Child dies of Road Accidents.
* Every 5 days, Person dies on Pedestrian Crossing.
* April month considered the highest number of road accidents reporting Month in Sri Lanka
* April 10th to 20th considered the highest number of road accidents reporting dates in Sri Lanka

Reasons for Accidents
* Recklessness of the Driver
* Negligence of the Driver
* In-disciplined driving
* Lack of knowledge on road rules and regulation, road conditions, weather conditions, conditions of the vehicle, knowledge regarding apparatus, controls, equipment
* Fatigue or stress
* Road infrastructure defects
* Lack of driving experience and skills
* Driving under the influence of alcohol
* Failure to check power
* Excessive speeding
* Not wearing the safety belt
* Pedestrians not following road rules
* Jumping colour lights
* Driving after taking medication
* Unsatisfactory enforcement by some Police officer

Recommendations to prevent accidents

  • To educate people on traffic safety  
  • Safe driving programmes to be conducted for drivers / riders and also conductors to be educated on safety 
  • Road infrastructure defects to be identified and rectified  
  • Disciplined driving method to be taught, examine driving knowledge skills and also the knowledge of rules and regulations and medical fitness before issuance of driving and riding licence 
  • Identified risk drivers and to cancel/ suspend / their licences by judiciary or by demerits systems  
  • To increase insurance premium of risk drivers 
  • Deterrent punishment for offenders committing fatal, grievous and serious accidents 
  • Renewal of driving licence every 3 years having rechecked the knowledge on rules and regulations, health and driving skills and driving records. 
  • To include traffic road safety as a major in school curriculum 
  • To have special driving programmes for school leavers 
  • Advance traffic management and road safety centres on mobile for education / enforcement purpose on highways. 
  • Improved enforcement by police and other agencies more moving violations to be detected.

Sri Lanka is experiencing an increasing number of traffic accidents, posing a serious danger to citizens throughout the country. Accidents take place unexpectedly and unintentionally, cause damage, injury, and death, as well as trauma and heartache for victims.

DRIVE . RIDE AND CORSS SAFELY !

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