AA hands over proposals to improve road safety

The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) handed over a set of proposals meant to improve road safety to Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge early this week.

AAC President Dhammika Attygalle, Vice President Ananda Dangalle, and Secretary Devapriya Hettiarachchi, represented the Automobile Association at the meeting. Monte Ranatunga, Secretary to Minister of Transport, Dr Gamage of Transport Board, and Lasitha Gunaratne were also present.

The following are two proposals to reduce Road injuries and fatalities: Introduce Rear Seat Belt and Special Lane for Cyclists.

At present the law pertaining to the use of front seat belt is mandatory as per Motor Traffic Act No. 157A and it should  be amended and added to the use of rear seat belt as well.

Law pertaining to Children Restraining in the Vehicle is internationally mandatory that the children require a special seat when they travel in a vehicle.

Therefore, a law pertaining to children restraining in the vehicle should be incorporated in the Motor Act.

Most countries abroad have provided separate lanes for the cycle riders to avoid road accidents.

Therefore, it is suggested that Sri Lanka also provide necessary cycle lanes for bicycle riders, to reduce air pollution and also to reduce fuel consumption. There is a proposal already initiated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for a cycle lane from Independent Square to Battaramulla.