Accidents on expressways caused by driver negligence: Minister

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The report from the committee assigned to investigate into  State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s recent accident on the Katunayake  Expressway shows that 56 per cent of accidents on the expressway are  caused by driver negligence. 

During his speech at an event organized for the official launch of the School Road Safety Club at the Ministry, Transport Minister Bandula  Gunawardana remarked that since the implementation of the expressway  system in the country, a rapid transportation network has been  established. However, the unfortunate reality is that a significant  number of fatalities are reported every year as a consequence.   
Following the recent accident of State Minister Sanath  Nishantha on the Katunayake Expressway, several committees have been  appointed by the Transport Ministry to investigate into the incident.   
According to the report, many facts were mentioned under  the category of ‘driver negligence’, such as driving vehicles under the  influence of alcohol, driving at high speed, not maintaining the  required distance between two vehicles, attempting to overtake other  vehicles, and engaging in telephone conversations while driving.   
Nine per cent of accidents are caused by defects in the  vehicle. Most of the defects in the vehicle are caused by certain issues  with the tyres, such as bursts and using inappropriate tyres to drive  on expressways.   
According to the report, 33 per cent of accidents are caused  by other reasons, such as changing weather patterns, heavy rains, and  skidding.   
According to this report, some remedies to be taken should  be discussed with the police and the relevant departments before this  year’s festive season, and the measures that are suitable for the short  term and long term are to be followed.