Tipper truck accidents soaring

by Carol Aloysius

Accidents from reckless tipper trucks drivers are on the rise, Acting police Media Spokesman Rohana Gunesekera told the Sunday Observer.

The latest victim two days ago was a 17 year old school girl who died on the spot when tipper truck crashed into the motor bike on which they were travelling, pinning the victim under the truck, at Malabe.

From 2013 due to the building boom, over ten deaths were recorded by reckless tipper truck drivers transporting sand etc,. Victims included pregnant women, children and police personnel. Last Year in November the Matara Police Sub Inspector and two other police personnel were killed when a tipper truck crashed into the Police jeep. In July 2013, a tipper truck killed a mother and son at Laggala.

According to Police reports, road accidents which now claim over 2,000 lives would rise sharply in future. “Illegal, unsafe driving is the main cause. An increasing number of motorists are driving under the influence of liquor, without a license or are under aged”, Gunesekera said.

Asked if tipper trucks allowed even during peak traffic hours, he said, “According to the Motor Traffic Act, they can. But speeding recklessly is definitely banned.” He said the maximum legal speed for tipper trucks was between 40-50 km per hour. “If they exceed this they will be fined Rs 5,000. If a victim dies they will be jailed for upto ten years under the Penal Code Section 298.” Victims of road accidents could appeal to a civil court for compensation“, he added.