A drive for safety

Parliament on Thursday approved regulations under the Motor Traffic Act, to introduce a Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) for motorists, as implemented in many other countries.

The authorities hope that the DIPS would lead to more disciplined and road-rule abiding drivers, as those who exceed 23 points for traffic offences within a span of two years, would have their licence suspended for a year. The number of points one ‘earns’ would depend on the severity of the offence committed. However, it is not yet clear whether the system allows or calls for the complete cancellation/suspension of licences of repeat offenders.

This is a long-felt need, considering that around 150 accidents occur in various parts of the country every day, some of them fatal. No TV newscast is complete without the horrific details of a fatal accident. More than 2,600 people were killed in road accidents last year alone.

We are told that the DIPS system would be fully computerised when it is finally refined. Initially, it would commence by issuing forms on which the points would be recorded by Traffic Police, which would in turn be sent to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Department to keep tabs on errant drivers. There should be no exceptions to anyone caught violating traffic rules.

This is a commendable move, given that under the current set up the role of the RMV ends with the issuing of the driver’s licence. This will literally bring the RMV back to the driving lane. The RMV should necessarily have a supervisory role over drivers, even if the Police continue the enforcement of the rules.

The newly introduced regulations are among those contained in the National Action Plan for Road Safety, which has been compiled by taking into consideration some of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with suggesting recommendations for improving road safety.

Recommendations

Among its other recommendations are a three-year probation period after obtaining the licence (essentially a P plate which has to be displayed on the vehicle), and making it mandatory for children less than eight years to travel in the rear seat, as is already done in other countries. It is only in Sri Lanka that mothers and fathers proudly have their children in the front seat and even on the driver’s seat itself ! (on the lap of the father or mother).

The DIPS formulators have identified a large number of offences committed by motorists and assigned points according to the severity of the offence concerned. Among the offences are failing to avoid an accident, reckless driving, failing to stop the vehicle after an accident, overtaking other vehicles without a clear view/space ahead, failure to give Right of Way, failure to obey road signs, driving on without obeying commands of police officers, failing to wear seat belts, failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing when pedestrians are present and about to cross and use of mobile phone while driving. There are several other offences. A driver will get anything from two to 10 points for committing these offences, in addition to any fines or court action. The list is by no means exhaustive and the authorities may identify other less visible offences.

If we analyse driving patterns on our roads, most of these offences seem to be very common. Drivers of private buses, three wheelers and motorcycles are to be blamed for most of the accidents, though private motorists are not lily white either. The Police should rein in these rogue elements and take action to prevent them from causing more accidents.

The authorities should also look at the preventive side and that begins with driver training. The bona-fides of all driver training schools should be checked and the quality/qualifications of their trainers should be re-assessed.

In most countries, driving schools have access to a ‘driver training park’ well away from the roads which stimulates all conditions that one could encounter on the road without any danger. It will be a worthwhile investment, well worth the money (and the lives potentially saved).

Today’s vehicles have a raft of safety devices built-in, though some drivers are not even aware of them. Car dealers must enlighten their customers about the safety measures available in their vehicles - a simple device such as the Lane Departure Warning System can be a life saver.

Fortunately, the seat belt law is being enforced effectively and more and more motorists have begun to buckle up as a habit, not as a means of avoiding a fine sheet or court summons. The simple fact is that airbags, standard on most modern cars, do not work without the (worn) seatbelt.

No safety or enforcement measure can compensate for discipline. It is something that comes from within. Each driver has to practise courtesy, patience, obedience to road rules and respect for other road users including pedestrians.

This is something that the RMV and Police cannot do, though the fear of the law does sometimes compel motorists to behave well. We have often seen motorists signal, through their lights, to other motorists that Traffic Police are present in the vicinity.

Limits

It is also vital to know one’s limits. If sleepy or drowsy, just don’t take the wheel. Had a few drinks of the alcoholic variety? Just stay off the wheel. All drivers must be aware of the mechanical condition of their vehicles, including, most importantly, tyre pressure. Just two weeks back, a truck driver died on the Southern Expressway after his vehicle careened following a tyre puncture.

Keeping your vehicle in a good condition is a prime requirement for avoiding accidents. After all, a worn-out brake pad may mean the difference between life and death.

Sri Lanka has joined other nations striving to maintain road discipline by introducing this DIPS system. It should be implemented effectively throughout the island. The authorities should conduct an awareness campaign on the DIPS through the print and electronic media, so that motorists know about the dangers of breaking the law before entering the road. The onus is on them to observe the law.