During last 24 hour (June 28) 12 deaths have been reported due to road traffic accidents in Sri Lanka. Most of victims were motorcycle riders & pillion riders. 8 motorcycle riders & pillion riders were among deaths. According to Sri Lanka Police statistics about seven to eight people die each day earlier, but now it has changed up to eight to twelve. 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. Police spokesman Senior DIG Ajith Rohana requests riders and drivers to check vehicle conditions (Brake / Signal Lights etc..) before drive / ride as vehicles were parked long period due to travel restrictions.
Police spokesman Senior 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 7 or 8 deaths and more than 80 persons suffer minor to moderate and severe injuries due to road traffic accidents.
According to the current statistics, most deaths are in the economically active age group of 18 to 45, which includes not only drivers but also passengers and pedestrians. Another identified factor is that three-wheelers, motorcycles and passenger transport buses are the highest involved vehicle categories in road accidents.
Increase in Road Traffic 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
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.
DRIVE . RIDE AND CORSS SAFELY !
