A ‘light’ ride

The traffic scenario in Sri Lanka is often described as a nightmare and it is not far from the truth. Every day, scores of people are killed on our roads. If you scan any daily newspaper for a few seconds, you will come across at least one story on a horrific accident. If you watch TV at night, every news bulletin has several of these ‘accident’ stories. This is a truly pathetic situation, but isn’t there a solution?

The only solution is called prevention. Most, if not all, accidents can be prevented if road users (and that includes pedestrians and push cyclists) observe road rules and maintain discipline on the road. While some of the latest electronic and mechanical aids in vehicles do help prevent collisions and other accidents, nothing can replace the sense of judgement and discipline of a human driver or vehicle operator. This, unfortunately, is sorely lacking in this country.

We therefore welcome certain steps being taken by the RMV and the Police to at least minimise the number of accidents. The seat belt law is now universally followed, even by drivers of pre-English number plated vehicles. Although initially it was the fear of getting booked by the Police for not wearing the seat belt(s), most people have understood the importance of wearing them, because they do actually save lives on their own and in conjunction with devices such as Supplemental Restraint System Air-bags.

A careful analysis of road accidents over the past few years will reveal one glaring fact: Private buses, three wheelers and motorcycles are involved in, and are responsible for, most road accidents, not necessarily in that order. Whether it is a speeding private bus, a fully loaded three wheeler or a motorcycle veering in and out of traffic, one can be sure that at least one of these vehicles or a combination thereof is responsible for most accidents.

Directives

It is in this context that we laud the Police for outlining certain directives that three wheeler drivers and motorcyclists have to follow as a pilot project in the Western Province. Depending on their success, these suggestions may be extended to other provinces and also promulgated into firmer laws.

Motorcyclists in the Western Province have been urged to switch their headlights (low beam) on while riding even during the daytime. Although many have already questioned the wisdom and the logic behind this move, I, for one, agree that it is a step in the right direction. The truth is that Daytime Running Lights do increase visibility. There are many countries which require all vehicles, not just motorcycles, to have their headlights on during daytime so that all road users have a clearer view. This is especially so when you view objects in the mirrors - they will be more visible if they are ‘lit’.

Why do we need this law? Sri Lankan motorcyclists have a notorious reputation for cutting in and out of traffic, sudden lane departures and overtaking on both sides and generally violating nearly all road rules. With their headlights on, they will be more visible to other motorists, who may be able to take evasive and preventive action before an accident happens. While ensuring discipline should be the better option in the long run, this could be a lifesaver in the short term.

Have you also seen how motorcyclists swarm in front of other traffic at intersections and traffic lights and block them? Speaking on TV, the Police Spokesman compared it to a ‘shield’ and I agree with him wholeheartedly. Add a few three wheelers into the mix and you get all the ingredients for a traffic snarl. Since most three wheelers literally run on ‘empty’, the drivers often have trouble restarting their engines once the lights turn green, resulting in gridlock and a delay for all other vehicles waiting behind.

Police will also be discouraging this practice, though it was not immediately clear if it will be treated as an offence per se. We hope that the Police will look for instances where these ‘shields’ are formed and take appropriate action. We are also not very certain whether the Police is strictly enforcing the rule on overloading of three wheelers, because we can still see plenty of three wheelers flouting the law in this regard.

Congestion

Another example comes from the Colombo - Katunayake old road (not the Expressway), where trucks, buses and three wheelers must travel on the left side of the road. Otherwise, they get fined by Police. It has been largely successful in easing traffic congestion on this busy road. The same rule should be applied to all other busy main roads especially in Western, Central and Southern Provinces. Motorcycles too should be included in this category.

We are also experiencing another novel concept via the electronic media. The concept of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) is still relatively new to Sri Lanka, although it is well established in other countries.

The Ministry of Health has made several really good PSAs on the importance of wearing helmets and other such safety measures, which are being aired in prime time TV. We need more such campaigns on radio and TV.

But why should the Health Ministry be involved in a road safety campaign? The answer lies in the massive health cost of motor accidents. Victims of motor accidents are treated absolutely free of charge at Government hospitals until they are completely cured, which costs the coffers billions of rupees a year. In fact, the health dimension of motor accidents is not often appreciated.

At the end of the day, instilling discipline among all road users is vital. This, however, cannot be done overnight. In the meantime, deterrent action is needed and justified mainly because only the fear of the law makes people follow certain rules. Gradually, that should give way to the broad realisation that road rules are promulgated for the safety of all road users from pedestrians to container truck drivers. We hope that day is not too far away.