Mayhem on road

According to available data, Sri Lanka experiences a significant number of road traffic accidents with statistics indicating an average of around 38,000 crashes annually, resulting in approximately 2,500 fatalities and 8,000 serious injuries, placing it among the highest road fatality rates in the South East Asia! It’s absolutely shocking news! Let’s analyse available data.

According to research by D.S.Kodithuwakku of University of Kelaniya: The impact of environmental and human factors has significant importance on the Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) in Sri Lanka. Past studies have shown that neither the expansion of roads horizontally or vertically nor the reduction in the vehicle density is a solution to reduce RTAs. Therefore, this study is to determine the significant human factors associated with RTAs in Sri Lanka using data on RTAs during 2005-2019 obtained from the Department of Police, Sri Lanka, and suggest some solutions to reduce RTAs. The six reasons for major RTAs are overtaking, diversion, speed driving, alcohol consumption of driver, negligence of pedestrians, and mechanical fault of vehicles. About 85% of major RTAs were due to overtaking (32%), diversion (27%), and speed driving (25%). The percentage of RTAs under each of these variables is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of RTAs when the drivers have alcohol more than the minimum level (9%). The Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Conformity factor analysis (CFA) confirmed that reasons for RTAs can be classified into two latent factors, namely, ‘lack of attention of the drivers’ and ‘negligence of the drivers. The two factors are invariant on the type of extraction method as well the type of orthogonal rotation. The fitted binary logistic model revealed that the significant variables on RTAs are negligence of the road conditions by the drivers, lack of attention of the driver, age of driver less than 18 years, and status of alcohol by the drivers. The odds of fatal accidents happening when the driver has a valid driving licence are 4.3 times higher than that of a driver without a valid licence ! The inferences derived from this study can be easily used by Department of Police in Sri Lanka to reduce the RTAs in Sri Lanka. Drivers should be motivated to become well-disciplined drivers. Fines for those who do not adhere to road rules need to be increased substantially.

Vehicles in Sri Lanka do not currently require a mandatory MOT (Ministry of Transport) test, as there is no established system similar to the UK’s MOT that comprehensively checks a vehicle’s roadworthiness on a regular basis; however, vehicles are subject to annual licence renewals which include basic quality checks and emission tests during the process, and authorities can conduct random inspections if needed. How does it compare to U.K. ‘s mandatory 1st MOT for a brand new vehicle after just 3 years to be renewed annually!

Causes of Road Accidents

Over Speeding.

Drunken Driving.

Distractions to Driver.

Red Light Jumping.

Avoiding Safety Gears like Seat belts and Helmets.

Non-adherence to lane driving and overtaking in a wrong manner.

This is a common sight in Wales to warn drivers in addition to mandatory speed limits of 20MPH and 30MPH on certain stretches of roads introduced by the previous Welsh government under Mark Drakeford. It has already reduced RTAs significantly. Bumps across roads called Sleeping Policemen are in place near schools, hospitals and where elderly people live in care homes. Cats eyes in the middle of roads reflect light in white, green and red where it is dangerous to overtake !

Roads are classified as motorways (70 MPH), dual carriageways (70MPH) with National speed limit of 60MPH on A routes unless otherwise specified. Also, clear warning signs on narrower roads – Unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles. Drivers who qualify for a Blue Badge due to disabilities get one free which helps parking near shops subject to certain rules!

Sunil Dharmabandhu

Wales, U.K.

Passed my driving test on 07.07.1977 and still possess a clean licence, driving even our 3500kg 4 berth motor home