Caltex partners Traffic Police to reduce road accident deaths and injuries

Road accidents cause the most number of deaths annually in Sri Lanka. Each year over 40,887 road accidents occur in Sri Lanka, causing six fatalities every day. Several hundreds are left seriously injured; some with lifelong consequences. Addressing this tragedy, Caltex and the Traffic Police have embarked on an islandwide communication campaign to create awareness on 'road safety'.

According to recent statistics submitted by the Sri Lanka Traffic Police, it is revealed that approximately 9414 motor cycle accidents occur each year. Similarly, over 11,023 accidents occur due to collisions with heavy vehicles in the country.

Nearly 9000 car and van accidents occur annually with over 5400 accidents caused due to speeding. Over 740 pedestrians die every year, recording two pedestrian deaths per day. Of the total number of road accidents that occur each year, over 2471 result in accident deaths.

"The Sri Lankan traffic injury and fatality statistics suggest that the rate of accidents and fatalities is increasing.

The situation calls for proactive measures to stop the numbers from worsening; whilst using reactive measures to mitigate the crisis that threatens our families and communities" Managing Director and CEO of Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, Kishu Gomes said.

"The new communication campaign on 'Road Safety' launched by Caltex is extremely thought-provoking and we call out to the public to be cautious about road safety as the results for one's self, one's family and the society at large are immeasurable. After all, safety ought to be a driver's first priority" Gomes said.

The campaign was conceptualised by Chevron following the previous campaign 'Caltex Road Star' launched in the year 2009, which was the first collaborative effort by Caltex and the Sri Lanka Motor Traffic Police, in an attempt to reinforce positive driving behaviour among motorists.

According to the organisation, community partnerships and being socially responsible are fundamental to the broader success of the business as they assist in ways that help stimulate economic growth and enable communities to prosper.