’Vehicle testing can save lives’ theme for National Road Safety Programme

In line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AA Ceylon), together with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has launched its annual road safety programme, selecting “Vehicle Testing Can Save Lives” as this year’s theme.

The programme highlights the importance of regular vehicle testing and ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles are allowed on the roads, in order to protect lives and minimise property damage caused by road accidents. Sri Lanka continues to witness a steady increase in fatalities and property losses resulting from road traffic accidents, with the government estimated to spend billions of rupees annually on medical treatment for accident victims and compensation for damaged property.

In many developed countries, all vehicles are required to undergo annual testing and obtain a roadworthiness certificate. Driving a vehicle without such certification is considered a serious offence and attracts heavy penalties. In addition, insurance companies in those countries do not provide vehicle or personal insurance coverage without a valid testing certificate.

According to the Department of Motor Traffic, Sri Lanka has more than eight million registered vehicles, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the adult population. However, only buses, lorries and heavy vehicles representing less than 20 per cent of the total vehicle population are subject to mandatory testing. Other vehicles, including motorcycles, three-wheelers, cars and vans, are only required to undergo emissions testing, which experts say is insufficient to reduce road accidents.

Road safety experts note that even basic vehicle testing such as checking headlights, tail lights, signal lamps, windscreen wipers, brakes, tyre condition, seat belts and windscreen visibility can help prevent accidents and save lives.

AA Ceylon stated that, with the support of the Sri Lanka Police, relevant government ministries, university students, drivers, vehicle owners and the general public, the programme aims to raise awareness about the importance of vehicle testing. The association also hopes to introduce a system that enables vehicle owners to obtain testing certification without incurring additional costs.