Road accidents by speeding motorists soar

by Carol Aloysius

"Over one-third of patients admitted for emergency care to the accident service of the National Hospital, Colombo, are victims of road accidents", Director, Accident Service, NHSL, Dr Kapila Wickramanayake told the Sunday Observer, yesterday.

He said victims were mostly motor cyclists, three wheeler users and pedestrians.

"Many of them have been knocked down by speeding motorists", he said. "Motor cyclists usually get injured in the head if they don't wear helmets. Wearing correctly fitting helmets is a must for everyone who rides on a motor cycle. This includes pillion riders as well. Head injuries especially in young and elderly can carry health complications", he warned.

He said drivers of all vehicles should refrain from drinking while driving or using handphones and use both hands while driving.

On school van accidents, he said parents should ensure that the vans were roadworthy and the drivers were competent.

An adult should also accompany the children being transported to school in hired vans, he added.