Reducing accidents

It is that time of the year again when the number of accidents rises almost exponentially. More than 30 people have died in just one week in various motor accidents around the country. It is a phenomenon that this column has focused on a couple of times previously, but the fact is that Sri Lanka’s roads are deadly for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Sri Lanka is not in the top 10 ‘accident destinations’ in the world, mainly because our road network and the population are dwarfed by those of far bigger countries. But in terms of population and road network length, Sri Lanka has a disproportionate number of accidents every year. Actually, not a day goes by without a road death.

During this festive season, or during any other festive season for that matter, the accident rate goes up due to one simple reason: drunk driving or technically, Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Police have nabbed hundreds of drunk drivers in just one week, which is way above the normal detection rate. In a related development, the Police imported 60,000 breathalyser units which are used to nab drunk drivers. This shows that there is a tendency for drivers to take a drink - and thereby take a risk with their very lives, not to mention the lives of any pillion riders or passengers.

There is little or no idea among motorists about the maximum allowable blood alcohol level (technically, Blood Alcohol Content or Breath Alcohol Content) in Sri Lanka which is 0.08 percent. The Police must publicise this fact and indicate just how much alcohol this corresponds to. However, the best advice is “if you have taken alcohol, however small the quantity is, do not drive”. If you intend to consume alcohol at an event, do take along a driver who does not consume alcohol or arrange some other form of transport. Alcohol does impair judgement in crucial situations and driving is replete with just such situations.

Dangerous

Another factor that is sometimes also related to alcohol (but also associated with fatigue) is falling asleep at the wheel. If a driver falls asleep even for a couple of seconds, it could cause a massive accident. Such instances, also called micro-sleep is highly dangerous and we have seen many accidents caused by micro-sleep in Sri Lanka in the recent past. Globally, around 40 percent of all accidents are caused by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.

The best advice is, do not drive if you are tired or sleepy or have consumed certain medicines which may make you feel drowsy. If you are already on the road, pull over, breathe some fresh air, wash your face and if possible get some sleep even for a brief period. Alternatively, tell someone else (if you have an adult passenger with a valid driving licence) to take the wheel. (Do not attempt this on expressways except in a designated rest area - make sure you are fully fit and primed before entering an expressway in the first place). While there are new technologies that can actually wake you up if you begin to feel drowsy, technology cannot be a complete remedy.

Perhaps the biggest contributor to road accidents in Sri Lanka is the sheer lack of road discipline and self-discipline. If everyone becomes a disciplined driver, more than half of our traffic woes will disappear. Remember, there are no victors on the road. You are not in a race.

If you try to outpace another vehicle and if you succeed, you may gain just 30 seconds more. On the other hand, if you meet with an accident while doing so, you may lose your life. What is more important to you? A minute gained by overtaking/hasty manoeuvre or your life itself? If you are one of those drivers who constantly blares the horn and rides the brakes, give up the habit. Give room for others on the road. Flash a smile if possible at someone who gives you the way. Being courteous and disciplined on the road actually reduces your stress and makes you happy.

Always follow road rules and general rules of common sense when on the road. Discipline cannot be imposed by force, it has come from within.

Driver training can help in this regard. Most driving schools teach their students how to drive, but they do not teach other ‘road values’ such as the importance of discipline. Such aspects too should be part of the teaching and training process. Some time back, an insurance company held a contest to select the most disciplined driver. Such contests should be revived.

Most motorists and motorcyclists still use handsets while in motion. This is a serious offence that has led to countless accidents here and abroad. Even if a hands-free kit is used, a telephone call can be a distraction that may lead to an accident. Your eyes (and ears) should be focused on the road - people underestimate just how much noise is relevant to the driving experience. “Kill the call, not yourself” is a popular slogan that deters drivers from operating their handsets.

Condition

The mechanical condition of a vehicle also has a bearing on its roadworthiness. There are some rust buckets which pass off as vehicles in this country and they should be taken off the road as they pose a danger to other road users. Some countries offer incentives to vehicle owners who remove these ‘expired’ vehicles off the road, which is worthy of emulation here.

Vehicle owners should frequently check oil and water levels, battery levels, tyres, wipers, lights, indicators, brakes and various other passive and active safety devices. Regular servicing is essential. Such checks are especially essential before long journeys for which the vehicle should be in optimal condition.

Driving a vehicle is a very serious business, it should not be approached lightly. One should be physically and mentally fit to drive a vehicle and disciplined as well. If all motorists think this way, our accident rate will surely go down.