Unqualified instructors blamed for rising road fatalities

Colombo, June 25 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of a worrying increase in fatal road accidents across the country, the Police Traffic Division has raised serious concerns over the quality of driver training and the regulation of driving schools.

Speaking on systemic issues behind traffic mishaps, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera said that a major factor in the lack of road discipline among newly licensed drivers, particularly young motorists, is the inadequate training provided by some driving schools.

According to the DIG, investigations have revealed an alarming practice where several registered driving schools are employing unqualified individuals who lack valid instructor licenses to train students.

He revealed that investigations have uncovered instances where unqualified individuals, lacking valid instructor licences, are being employed to train learner drivers.

"When an individual is trained by an instructor who does not hold a proper instructor license or valid permit, the quality of the 'product, the licensed driver we release onto the roads, drifts into serious jeopardy," the DIG said pointing out that this lack of formalised training is a root cause behind widespread ignorance of standard road rules.

Furthermore, the DIG said that many new drivers passing through these flawed training systems possess almost no functional understanding of traffic signs, road safety etiquette, or the specific motor traffic laws governing speed limits.

"It appears that many driving schools focus narrowly on instructing individuals on how to physically operate or move a vehicle, often gearing them up to speed, while failing completely to teach the technicalities of the vehicle or critical safety mechanisms, such as braking systems," he explained. This deficiency leaves young drivers ill-equipped to handle emergencies or manage modern vehicles safely.

In response to these findings, he said the Police Traffic Department has launched operations to curb these illegal training practices.

The DIG said that police recently conducted a raid in the Ambalangoda area, resulting in the seizure of four vehicles that were being actively used to train students by instructors without valid teaching permits. Legal action has already been initiated against the individuals and schools involved.

The DIG said that the Police Department has initiated discussions with the Department of Motor Traffic to strictly overhaul the methodology used to issue driving instructor licenses and regulate driving schools.

The DIG urged all driving schools and families to ensure that young drivers are strictly taught to respect speed limits and road signs.