News
Younger trishaw drivers the most dangerous
Three people died in this accident in Chilaw. Pic by Augustin Fernando
Most three-wheeler accidents involve younger drivers in an unregulated industry filled with inept and unruly drivers and an unacceptably high death toll, officials said.
Despite there being 900,000 three-wheelers operating around the country – half of them in Colombo city – there is no regulatory body for this transport service.
Last year, three-wheeler accidents totalled 6,879, causing 207 deaths, more than 10 per cent of the total number of fatal accidents. Those killed included 23 children under the age of five, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Amarasiri Senaratne said.
Data analysis reveals that a majority of three-wheeler drivers involved in crashes were 21-30 years of age, followed by those who were between 31-40 years old. While there were some young and older drivers, overall 66 per cent of drivers involved in crashes were between 21 and 40 years old.
All three-wheel drivers in the country will undergo medical tests including an eye test to check whether they are capable of driving, and the Health Ministry will provide needed aids to driving, Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health Dr. P.G. Mahipala said.
Drivers will have to undergo a special two-day training programme and sit a written examination to gain a three wheeler driving licence in future.
Many drivers break the vehicle handle lock to make tight turns, Moratuwa University Department of Transport and Logistics chief, Dr. T. Sivakumar said. The turning circle of a three-wheeler is 576cm and is controlled by a handle-lock. Removal of this device increases the turning angle of the handle.
In collaboration with the Motor Traffic Authority, police will carry out a campaign to identify three-wheelers without handle-locks. Any trishaws thus identified wil be deemed to be unsuitable for road transport and the driver will face legal action, DIG Seneratne said.
DIG Senaratne said among the traffic offences commonly committed by three-wheeler drivers are sudden turns without signalling. For this offence, the spot fine is Rs. 1,000, while court fines vary from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6,000. There was no spot fine for reckless and dangerous driving although court fines for this ranged from Rs. 3,500-5,000.
Fines for traffic and road rule violations are to be increased soon, Assistant Commissioner (Technical) of the Motor Traffic Department J.S. Jayaweera said.
Colombo National Hospital Accident Services Director Dr. Kapila Weerasinghe said that of the 300 patients who visit the OPD daily, a third were victims of accidents and 70 per cent of the accidents involved three wheelers or motorcycles. Back, facial and dental injuries, bone fractures, soft tissue and head injuries were the most common consequences of such accidents.
A total of 46,435 crashes involving three-wheelers were recorded in the past 10 years.