Over 1,000 killed in road accidents in five months - Police to act on unsafe vehicles

A total of 1,000 people have died due to road accidents in the past five months, according to the Department of Government Information.

 

DIG in charge of the Traffic Division, Indika Hapugoda said that 958 road accidents and 1,021 road accident-related deaths have been reported.

 

He stressed the urgent need for better road discipline and responsible driving among motorists.

 

DIG Hapugoda said that action will be taken against vehicles with decorations disturbing the vision of the driver, starting June 1, as sharp metal fittings can cause serious injuries to pedestrians and passengers, and increase the severity of accidents.

 

Sri Lanka's Accident Data Management System development with the support from WHO funding, categorises accidents as fatal or minor. The first system was launched with support from WHO funding in the Western Province.

 

To detect alcohol and drug-impaired drivers, 30 night vision devices have been imported and distributed to 30 police stations.

 

Authorities urge the public to follow traffic rules, wear seat belts, use helmets when riding and ensure proper vehicle maintenance to reduce the number of fatal incidents on the roads.