More than 730 locations on main roads across the country have been identified as hazardous for motorists and prone to accidents, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the Police Traffic Division in collaboration with police stations islandwide.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj Ranagala, Chief of the Traffic Police Division, told the Sunday Times that a total of 732 accident-prone spots have been brought to the attention of the Road Development Authority (RDA), urging immediate remedial measures. In addition, respective police stations have been directed to update the Traffic Police Headquarters on the progress of these interventions.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of road accidents, SSP Ranagala said. Among the additional measures being implemented are intensified night-time operations, particularly targeting long-distance passenger buses.
Police stations have also been instructed to submit daily reports on traffic offences recorded in their jurisdictions to the Traffic Police Headquarters.
Highlighting the root causes of many accidents, SSP Ranagala pointed to driver fatigue and reckless driving as major contributors. He noted that, according to traffic regulations, drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after every four-and-a-half-hour journey. However, in practice, many drivers only pause for about 10 minutes before resuming their trips.
He further explained that for long-distance travel, the ideal practice is to replace the driver at a designated point along the route. Crucially, the replacement driver should not be travelling in the same vehicle but should instead be stationed at the changeover location, ready to assume duties.
Providing statistics to underscore the severity of the issue, SSP Ranagala revealed that from January to last Tuesday, there have been 1,205 fatal road accidents reported, resulting in 1,276 deaths. In comparison, during the same period last year, there were 1,099 fatal accidents with 1,148 fatalities.
