Accidents on Southern Expressway:
Keep to speed limit, motorists warned
by Ananda KANNANGARA
The Southern Expressway Traffic Division has expressed concern over
several vehicle accidents in the recent past due to the negligence of
drivers and warned motorists who drive on the Expressway to refrain from
100 km per hour speed limit.
The police has warned motorists who violate speed limit regulations
and added that those who drive over 120 km per hour would be dealt with.
The new division is administered by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
with powers vested in him similar to the Western Province Traffic DIG.
Gelanigama Police Security Post , OIC, A.K.D. Sisirakumara told the
Sunday Observer that in addition to the speed limit, all motorists
travelling on the Southern Expressway should wear seat belts and refrain
from partaking of meals and using mobile phones while at the wheel.
Since the Southern Expressway Traffic officials are unable to check
the mechanical condition of vehicles, drivers should ensure that their
vehicles are in perfect condition.
He said it was a pity that many drivers do not pay attention to the
signboards installed on either side of the expressway from Kottawa to
Pinnaduwa and exceed speed limits.
According to a Senior police officer, 68 accidents have so far been
reported on the Expressway from the day it was opened to the public on
November 27 last year. Twenty-three people had received injuries and the
first death of a 26-year-old youth from Dehiwala was reported two weeks
ago. e said motorists should be aware that the Police STF is conducting
routine patrolling on the expressway round the clock. |