Video: Motorcycle headlights on from today

10 April 2014 07:09 am

Motorcyclists island-wide are requested to switch on their headlights while riding during daytime starting today, the Police said.  

Previously, motorcyclists in the Western Province were requested to travel with their headlights switched on even during daytime on an experimental basis.

According to studies carried out, motorcycle accidents had been reduced in other countries by adopting this method.

SSp Ajith Rohana said that this was only a request and not about a law.

SSP Rohana said that last year 97 died as a result of not wearing helmets, while 38 pillion riders were killed.

He said that 187 motorcyclists who died in accidents did not even have a license and 25 were also killed.

Accidents in the Western Province have dropped due to the current survey conducted by the Police which enabled the motorists coming from the opposite direction to clearly see the on coming motorcycle.

The programme was initiated during the last week of January and the Police said that it was still too early to assess whether it was successful or not.

According to Police Headquarters it had been found out that motorcycle accidents had been in many countries in Africa after implementing similar action.
SSP Rohana said that if it was successful, it would be legalised and implemented  countrywide. (Supun Dias, Lahiru Pothmulla)