Police come down hard on unroadworthy vehicles

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The police has come down hard on some vehicle drivers and vehicle owners who do not pay much attention on the running condition of their vehicles.

According to police records, at least 50 percent of road accidents in the recent past were due to mechanical defects in the vehicles. Police Media spokesman, Ajith Rohana called upon drivers to check the more important parts of their vehicles, especially the brakes before driving on roads, highways as well as expressways.

Referring to Wednesday's accident at Kalutara which occurred after 12.00 midnight, the Police media spokesman said that many drivers who own old vehicles are in the habit of using plastic cans with petrol to supply fuel to the engine through a tube. He said the accident at Kalutara was an eye-opener to all drivers who use plastic cans of petrol to fuel the engine.

He, cautioned vehicle owners to refrain from doing so in future.

"Even fuel being carried in empty plastic cans could be dangerous,". Police media spokesman Ajith Rohana also called upon driving school instructors to advise learner drivers on the gravity of falling asleep, driving under the influence of liquor, not using seat belts, smoking cigarettes and using mobile phones while driving.

A Senior Police officer said if a driver falls asleep or take a call on his mobile while driving, it is best to park the vehicle on the left side of the road without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians.