Lady Drivers' Association is eleven

Driving is fun when it comes to lady drivers!

by Padma VIDANAGAMACHCHI

Driving a vehicle is one of the most treacherous tasks one can indulge in this frantic lifestyle of Sri Lanka. Some have stinging urge to speed and hedge along these cramped roads breaking all the rules under the sun as if it's their own property that can be manhandled freely. How narrow minded of them making an effort to exhibit their brawn and might in this despicable manner leaving on lookers bewildered. Anyone from three-wheeler to massive bulldozer drivers, the rules and regulations applies alike. But amazingly, some have taken the power in their hands to manipulate their own regulations paying no respect to authority. The most amazing part is we as drivers notice this daily but not the authorized body. The only way out from these road hogs is to ignore and keep up with them?, some might think so. But should it be like this forever leaving no room for the next generation to enjoy their driving etiquette to their satisfaction?

We lady drivers have taken the plunge to show how we can improve our driving habits. The common slogan some men may repeat as a comical stanza about women drivers "Oh a disaster, it's a woman", when a woman driver tries her best to display her colours innocently in front of him. She knows her responsibilities when at the wheel just like her responsibilities at home. It's a common thing to make mistakes when new to the field, but it results in disaster when you the rules and regulations on purpose. Her responsibility towards society is beyond measure. She drives off with loads of family burdens carried on her head, on top this, while at the wheel she has to Look right, left, front, back up and down too, to lay down the rules while driving, not only that, children, husband, groceries, bills and thousand and one other things also has to be taken into consideration. Isn't it amazing that this woman capably drive avoiding unnecessary mishaps? To my knowledge accidents are minimal by ladies possibly because of the responsibilities she holds on behalf of the whole humanity. She takes maximum care while driving knowing the end result after such unfavourable circumstances. After such incidents she becomes isolated and a victim of might no matter who is at fault. Woman is the key figure in making decision at household chores. Responsibility are numerous and perilous. "Charity begins at home" they say it not merely because they had to say something but because they had something to say.

Fifty years ago there was not many vehicles on the road. Roads were free of potholes although narrow. Travelling from Matara to Colombo one could view easily the track of old Koggala Airport. Once in a blue moon one could see a learner or two fumbling with the steering wheel sceptically, later on probably who became experts in the field. Driving schools were few and far between, sometimes, not at all and no appointed instructors.

Then, women learned driving just for the fun of it not for the sake of it. It was considered that driving a vehicle is not for the women, but yet the women of the affluent class had the opportunity to learn driving. Many of them drove without a licence yet there was no bar against it. According to statistics the first lady driver was one Mrs. Soysa who bought her first motor car in early 1900. Funnily enough she drove all over Colombo city without a valid driving licence. No one cared because there was neither a department of registration of vehicles, nor a motor car examiner. How simple and accident free! By and by the ladies emerged from their hibernation. At the beginning driving a three-wheeler or a motor bicycle by a woman is a rare sight. But now, we see them riding flying and even orbiting the space!. Today the percentage is nearly 50/50 among male and female drivers.

We have come a long way through many obstacles and have reached the ground where we should flaunt our wings... Lady Drivers' Association is formed for the benefit of all drivers and pedestrians without exception. Every parent has a duty by their children to educate them about prevailing rules and regulations at young age, make them practice good habits. Habits always become the second nature. We invite ladies who are concerned about peaceful and just society to come and join us. Membership is available for any lady who has reached 18 years of age. You may please contact the Secretary of the Association Ms. Pasadi Dias Samarasinghe (LLB Attorney-at-Law-Commissioner of Oaths).

The Lady Drivers' Association which was formed 11 years ago, will hold its eighth get-together and annual meeting on Sunday, March 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 215, High Level Road, Nugegoda.

The vision of the Association is to establish a just and peaceful society by becoming exemplary drivers. On this day, a line of experts from the relevant field will give valuable speeches on safe driving.