DRASTIC DROP IN ROAD ACCIDENTS RECORDED IN 2019: CHAIRMAN NCRS

Most victims died in motorcycle accidents

There is a considerable drop in fatal accidents across the country when compared with the previous year, National Council for Road Safety (NCRS) Chairman Dr Sisira Kodagoda said. He said that according to the statistical reports, 698 deaths had been reported during the first three months of this year compared to 849 accidents that had been recorded in the first three months of the previous year.

In comparison, the accidents had been reduced by 151 this year, and that the reduction of accidents showed a positive trend,he said.

“Until now, at least one person was

reported to be killed in every three hours. That means at least eight persons were killed in a day. It was a terrible situation and a disaster and we have lost valuable human lives,” he said.

Accidents occurred from January to March in 2018 were reported as follows: 243 pedestrians, 294 motorcyclists, 55 pillion riders, 68 drivers, 113 passengers and 75 cyclists.

The number of accidents that occurred this year from January to March this year were reported 216 pedestrians, 239 motorcyclists, 40 pillion riders, 51 drivers, 96 passengers and 56 cyclists.

Statistics had revealed that the highest number of people killed were by motorcycle accidents.

“Wearing low-quality helmets had caused most deaths in motorcycle accidents. The total compensation paid was over Rs.5.2 million which was given to the family members of the victims of fatal hit and run accidents during the year 2018,” Dr Kodagoda added.

In comparison, the accidents had been reduced by 151 this year, and that the reduction of accidents showed a positive trend