Computerised Medical Certificates for driving/ riding licences

Plans are afoot for a computerised system for Medical Certificates (MC) for drivers, said National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI) Chairman W.S. Perera.

This system would link all 25 District offices of the NTMI with its headquarters, thereby assisting in the quick registration of the driver and the issuance of the MCs.

Approximately 700 people obtain MCs daily, consequent to an hour-long medical test. The NTMI has 12 medical staffers who conduct the tests.

Mr. Perera pointed out that with the introduction of the computerised system, the delay would be resolved and an increase in the number of people who come for MCs is on the cards.

The NTMI has also tightened measures to monitor officers who solicit bribes to issue MCs.

“Swift measures would be taken to interdict the officer who is involved in such acts” the Chairman stressed.

Several individuals who have applied for their licences do not undergo the medical test due to the delays faced by them, which has resulted in several accidents, because they are unfit to drive.

“Some people even engage in illegal acts such as impersonation in order to obtain their medical certificates”

NTMI Chairman

W.S. Perera told the Sunday

Times adding that this was due to the delay faced in obtaining the certificate.

Last year a staggering 1,232 motorcyclists and pillion riders died in 1,265 motorcycle accidents. On an average, 8 road deaths are recorded across the country daily, due to motor vehicle mishaps, of which 4 involve motorcyclists.

"One of the main reasons for such accidents is the non-adherence to road rules while overtaking vehicles," said Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara.

“Some motorcyclists overtake vehicles without ensuring that the lane ahead is clear of oncoming traffic,” he pointed out, adding that, this results in the collision of the motorcycle along with the vehicle being overtaken or, with the oncoming vehicle in the opposite direction.

Reckless driving which includes zigzagging between traffic and overtaking from the left side has also contributed to the fatalities over the last few years.

"Most motorcyclists involved in accidents are found to be riding without a licence, DIG of the Police Traffic Administration Unit Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Times.

He added that excessive speed and drunk driving were other causes for accidents.

“When a motorcyclist comes for a test, we carry out a medical test on his/her hands to determine whether the rider can have a good grip of the motorbike,” said NTMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. K.S.M. Samarasekara.

She added that motorcyclists should also undergo a blood sugar test and ensure their sugar levels are within the accepted norms. The number of accidents can be reduced to a great extent if due procedure is followed.

“Some motorcyclists have not renewed their licences for over 10 years,” she claimed.

Dr. Samarasekara stressed that the NTMI is doing all it can to ensure that drivers, including motorcyclists are physically and mentally fit to drive/ride.

“When a motorcyclist comes for a test, we carry out a medical test on his/her hands to determine whether the rider can have a good grip of the motorbike."