Letters to the Editor
View(s):Let us try to reduce road carnage
More recent figures recorded by the NCRS state that of the 13,550 accident fatalities over the last five years; 5677 or 41.89% have been motorcyclists.
While statistics do not reveal how these motorcycle accidents were caused – speeding, overtaking on the wrong side or when the road ahead is not clear, swerving into a lane without signaling are among some of these causes. In all these instances, the accident results from an offence committed while the vehicle is on the move.
Here are some suggestions which, if implemented, could reduce the risk of accidents mainly by desisting from breaking the law even before the motor cycle begins to move. This refers to the very dangerous act of carrying not two but three or sometimes four on a vehicle built specifically to carry only the rider and the pillion rider. The risk to life is compounded by the fact that the third and fourth “passengers” are often children.
The statistics available do not indicate the number of accidents and fatalities caused by this dangerous practice. No relationship could therefore be established between motorcycle fatalities and this infringement of the law. However, it is timely to focus on certain aspects of this common violation.
Let us examine how this practice affects the safety of all road users.
The moment extra weight is added to the motorcycle by the addition of a third person, the balance of the vehicle is affected. In scientific terms, the centre of gravity moves to a position away from where it usually is on a two-rider vehicle and it becomes more difficult for the rider to control the vehicle. Secondly, due to the additional weight, when travelling at speed, the rider will require more time than usual(with only a pillion rider) to stop the vehicle. Again, in scientific terms the motorcycle now has greater momentum (basically mass or weight into velocity or speed). Thus the rider of the vehicle has to now contend with the new balance and momentum at the same time making it very difficult for him/her to control the vehicle. Naturally, this places the rider and ‘passengers’ in an extremely dangerous position and their vulnerability increases dramatically.
It must be emphasised here that the additional risk does not pertain only to the riders on the motorcycle but other road users as well. For instance, a sudden movement by the rider carrying three others on his motorcycle to try to keep his balance could very well result in his obstructing another motorist. Similarly, the added momentum may hinder a rider from slowing down and swerving to avoid a pedestrian who may dart across his path.
The argument has been raised that motorcyclists carry more than one passenger (very often his family) for economic reasons i.e. being unable to afford other means of transport such as a taxi or a van to take his children to school, for tuition etc. However, economic reasons can never override the law and safety concerns. Therefore, there appears to be no alternative but to find a solution within the law.
From what we see, the Police have apparently been turning a blind eye to this gross violation of traffic rules probably for humanitarian reasons. Therefore, it would be unreasonable to immediately begin re- implementing the law or imposing penalties on offenders.
It is suggested therefore that a grace period of two months be granted to those who carry more than one passenger on their motorcycles, during which they should find alternative means of transport for the additional passengers. Warnings should be given and an explanatory pamphlet issued regarding the decision to re- implement the law setting out in detail the reasons for it. The dangers that all road-users face as a result of more than two on a motorcycle should be conveyed to the public in clear and preferably dramatic presentations.
This could be effectively carried out using the media. The persuasive power of repetitive slogans and advertisements is generally accepted. Therefore, a concerted effort should be made to design and display appropriate road safety messages relating to this offence preferably during prime time TV ( e.g .just before, in between news items, before popular teledramas etc.) so that a greater number of viewers would see them.
In addition specific programmes such as panel discussions on this subject and safety issues should televised on a weekly basis. The NCRS could take the lead and make arrangements for the Police, Motor Traffic Department, Municipal Council, Road Development Authority and related organizations to participate.
The private sector should be used as a resource in the effort to create awareness with well known organizations invited to sponsor road safety campaigns and programmes. The NCRS too has a source of funds in terms of Section 213B subsection (1) of the Motor Traffic Act and I believe they are being put to good use.
The practice of more than two persons travelling on a motorcycle should be gradually phased out as it increases the risk of accidents and fatalities. Perhaps the National Council for Road Safety could take the initiative in this.
J.S. Ameresekere
(Former Director Planning, Ministry of Transport and Highways)
KV line needs urgent repair
This is to bring to the notice of the Railway Department that the services provided to commuters on the KV line need to be improved urgently.
Often the train engine stops working on the journey and passengers are unable to reach their work places on time. This also happens when the passengers are going home after work. This is because the trains on this line are very old and perhaps not well maintained.
Even the tracks are not smooth. The train gets shaken from side to side so vigorously that a passenger can be thrown from the seat. Sometimes, the jerk is so vigorous that the passenger’s spine hits the back of the seat so hard that it can cause permanent damage to the backbone.
This happens only at some places perhaps due to unevenness of the track.
We hope the authorities will take quick action and repair the tracks as soon as possible.
T.B. Rahaman Via email
Big thank you for efficient service at National Hospital
I was recently on a zebra crossing on Vajira Road, Colombo 4, when a motorcycle knocked me down. I could not stand and was carried off from the crossing. An ambulance was called and it arrived promptly. The police were also on the scene pretty soon. I was taken to the National Hospital. The purpose of this letter is to express my thanks to them.
I was extremely impressed at the speed with which I was attended to. I had my X-rays to confirm presence of fractures and six dressings. I left the hospital within an hour.
I work in the UK as a General Practitioner. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) target for accident and emergency patients is that they should be seen within four hours. To have such speedy and efficient service at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka was much appreciated.
Dr. Nandika Doble Via email
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.