Reckless drivers ignoring laws and endangering lives

This kind of erratic driving behaviour of tuk tuk drivers has become normalised, making our roads even more unpredictable and dangerous

The increasing number of road accidents in Sri Lanka has become a matter of grave national concern. Among the various causes contributing to this dangerous trend, is the reckless behaviour of trishaw (three-wheeler) drivers which stands out as a serious and persistent issue. What was once considered a convenient and affordable means of transport has now turned into a menace on our roads—largely due to the indiscipline and lawlessness of many trishaw drivers.
A common sight in almost every urban area in the country is trishaws creating makeshift lanes, weaving in and out of traffic without any regard for road markings or basic driving rules. These drivers often force their way into spaces between vehicles that are clearly too narrow, damaging side mirrors, scratching paint, or worse—causing collisions. In doing so, they not only put themselves at risk, but also endanger the lives of their own passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians alike.
Furthermore, trishaw drivers routinely disregard standard road safety practices. For instance, motorists are advised to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them to allow time to react in case of sudden braking. But in today’s road conditions, such safety gaps have practically disappeared—any space left between vehicles is immediately filled by a trishaw trying to ‘creep in,’ disrupting traffic flow and increasing the likelihood of accidents. This kind of erratic driving behaviour has become normalised, making our roads even more unpredictable and dangerous.
What is perhaps most disheartening is the lack of enforcement from traffic police officers. Despite witnessing these blatant violations on a daily basis—sometimes right in front of them—many officers remain indifferent. They stand on the roadside like silent observers, turning a blind eye to the chaos unfolding before them. Whether this inaction is due to a lack of resources, training, or willpower is unclear, but the message it sends is loud and clear: trishaw drivers are free to behave as they wish, without fear of any consequence whatsoever. 
This absence of accountability only emboldens such drivers, allowing their recklessness to thrive unchecked. Meanwhile, law-abiding motorists are left to navigate increasingly hazardous roads, frustrated and powerless in the face of ongoing disorder.
It is time for urgent and meaningful action. The authorities must recognise the gravity of this issue and take steps to restore discipline and safety to our roads. This could include stricter licensing requirements for trishaw drivers, mandatory road safety training, regular vehicle checks, and consistent enforcement of traffic laws. In addition, traffic police officers must be empowered—and also be held accountable—to carry out their duties effectively, without fear or favour.
Our roads should not appear to be battlegrounds. Every citizen, whether they travel by car, trishaw, bus, or on foot, deserves to feel safe. If decisive steps are not taken soon, we risk allowing this culture of lawlessness to become permanently entrenched.
Roshan Peiris
Negombo