Multiple paths explored to reduce road crash deaths and injuries
The Government is giving priority to prevention and management of road accidents and injuries, as it affects the country's economic and social development.
Road accidents and injuries have been growing at an alarming rate over the past few weeks.
Chair Professor of Community Medicine of University of Peradeniya Prof. Samath Dharmarathne said motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of hospitalisation (25%) and hospital deaths in Sri Lanka.
He revealed this at a workshop on reducing traffic accidents, conducted by the National Council for Road Safety
Most of the injured are in the productive age group of 15 to 45, which has devastating consequences for them, their families, and their communities.
“About 3,000 people die each year owing to motor vehicle crashes, making it an epidemic. Infants and children are most likely to suffer more severe injuries and about 400 die annually. Most road traffic deaths and grave injuries are preventable with crash risk generally predicted,” Prof. Dharmarathne said.
He believes that a Presidential Task Force on road safety management is needed to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries by incorporating injury prevention strategies into everyday lives of people.
The Road Development Authority (RDA) is developing safety auditing methods for roadways to reduce hazards, according to Deputy Director General K. Chandrakumara.
“Installing staggered crosswalks and speed breakers are progressive traffic calming options currently considered. Fixing solar-powered traffic flashers and road studs particularly in hazardous places have increased safety. Solar blinkers placed at
road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations further are cost-effective and steers competing flows of traffic. The RDA is en route to expand these innovative methods on a national scale," he said.
Mr Chandrakumara stressed the importance of developing the right attitude about driving. “Know the traffic signs, signals, lights and traffic safety rules before you hit the road. Road safety rules are the best tools to avoid accidents.’’
The Health Ministry's Consultant Community Physician Dr. Samitha Sirithunga emphasised post-accident procedures, especially first-aid.
“Without proper first-aid, a simple injury could become severe and in some cases fatalities can take place following lack of immediate medical treatment. Therefore, a prompt first-aid response can mean life or death for those who are in need of it. It clears the path to preserving life, reducing pain or minimising consequences of injury, preventing future disease or injury and fostering recovery,” Dr. Sirithunga said.
The Ministry also aims to develop a national policy and strategic framework on injury prevention and management, with input from RDA officials, police, experts, and stakeholders involved in accident mitigation. This will help to minimise morbidity, disability, and mortality.
“Small efforts namely, having your seatbelts on, as it considerably increases your chance of survival during a crash, or the simplest change in your attitudes and behaviours are the safest choices you can make while on the road,” Dr. Sirithunga said.
“The necessary procurement activities to put the demerit points system into effect are being carried out. This will be effective in encouraging drivers to adhere to the law while contributing to road safety,” Motor Traffic Department lawyer K.I. Yogachandra said.
“Oral fluid assays is a novel way to test drug-impaired drivers. Yet, Sri Lanka lacks such technology. We intend to address this concern in due time where saliva drug testing, an alternative to existing urine and blood testing, can be used to detect the presence of drugs," he pointed out.
He also said a strategic sourcing process is underway to develop an e-monitoring system for motor vehicle imports, as directed by the Motor Traffic Department and Sri Lanka Customs. The software will allow buyers to track the entire process online effortlessly.
Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna talking about an action plan that would address all causes of road traffic accidents said: “Everything starts and ends with education. The launch of ‘roadsafety club’ within schools is a component of our proposed action plan directed towards setting a safe environment for students. Road safety measures and basic firstaid knowledge will be added to the school curriculum so that students can get hold of complete knowledge on traffic regulation and be able to render first-aid when the need arises, plus, a Government-led awards scheme will be opened up to reward students’ contribution to safer roads across the country.’’
Pointing out that upgrading speed limits in each roadway can reduce crashes, he said a gazette will be issued bringing speed limits up to date by January.
“Prior to that, directives have already been sent out to the related committee regarding leading off a pilot project on roads within reach of schools before it reaches the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, to improve road safety, Deputy Inspector General of Police Indika Hapugoda has proposed developing an e-traffic policy mobile app in collaboration with the RDA and the Department of Motor Traffic. The app would allow citizens to report traffic violations directly to authorities by uploading photos or videos.
“Under the aegis of the National Council for Road Safety, we hope to get modern equipment needed for a vehicle management system worth over Rs. 160 million,” he added.
DIG Hapugoda said a web-enabled, turnkey demerit points system will be implemented once the infrastructure is ready. An easy-to-use online cash payment system will also be introduced to speed up traffic spot fines.
Meanwhile National Council for Road Safety Chairman Malik Jayathilaka said: "There are always more road traffic crashes than what we hear on a daily basis. We constantly do our utmost to meet the obligations that follow the Motor Traffic Act.
“Your attitude to driving matters. Know what your vehicle is capable of. Be conscious of road conditions. Be extra vigilant and know what is going on around you," he said.