Closing the door after ....

We Sri Lankans are really good at blaming one another when something bad happens and get credited for all the good. Authorities had enough time to set things straight after 33 people were killed in the Yangalmodara accident that happened in 2005. Proper safety measures haven’t been established in high risk areas such as those prone to landslides, heavy rains and even areas near the coastal belts.

Investigations would take place and families may be compensated. But that won’t bring back the dead. Introducing new licenses and checking for worn out tyres won’t solve the issue.

Administrative loopholes are the main cause of accidents as most drivers try to keep up with the time tables. Every driver and conductor would want to have the most number of passengers. The psychology of long distance bus drivers may be seldom looked at. They need rest, adequate sleep and should be fit for driving. But another 15 innocent lives were lost.

The boulder that has fallen onto the road was lying there for four months and authorities didn’t have time or was too busy to remove it. Heavy investments are being made to develop roads, but in reality, road maintenance is often neglected. What is quite unfortunate is that the injured bus driver too was remanded. Investigations would take place and families may be compensated. But that won’t bring back the dead. Introducing new licenses and checking for worn out tyres won’t solve the issue.

Besides, another accident happened just yesterday in Rajagiriya, killing a Police Officer. Drivers need positive reinforcement to do their job.

They should be credited for their work; long distance bus drivers especially should be given bonuses and additional allowances. They have families to look after and are doing their job amidst various obstacles. Apart from that, every bus competes with another.

This is evident with all those slogans that are behind three-wheelers and buses. The authorities should stop the ugly blame game and look at minimizing these fatal accidents at least from now onwards.

A CONCERNED CITIZEN