Newly released road safety statistics from the Ministry of Transport and the National Council for Road Safety have raised significant concerns in Sri Lanka. The data reveals that 2,280 people died in traffic-related incidents in 2023 alone, suggesting that on average, one person dies every 3 to 4 hours due to road accidents. In 2023, the total number of fatal accidents was 2,171, marking a slight decrease from 2022, but still indicating that road safety remains a pressing issue. Critical accidents accounted for 5,561 cases, while minor accidents numbered 9,169. The “damages only” category had 5,903 cases, resulting in a total of 21,984 accidents. Despite the fluctuations, these figures highlight the high risk of driving in Sri Lanka.
These figures were discussed at the IESL Lecture on Road Safety held on April 3. One of the contributing factors to the high rate of traffic accidents in Sri Lanka is the presence of black spots—locations with a high concentration of traffic accidents. These are often intersections or stretches of road with inadequate signage, poor visibility, or lack of appropriate safety measures.
Addressing black spots is a crucial step in reducing accidents and fatalities. Measures such as installing traffic lights, improving road signage, adding speed bumps, and enhancing street lighting can mitigate risks in these areas. Engineer Kamala Gunawardena, a freelance consultant with over 20 years of experience in road safety, emphasizes the importance of addressing these black spots as part of a broader road safety strategy.
To combat the rising number of accidents, experts recommend a multifaceted approach. This includes stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better driver education, and public awareness campaigns. Addressing road safety from multiple angles will help reduce the frequency of fatal and critical accidents.
Additionally, identifying and improving black spots is a key focus for road safety experts. By reducing the risks associated with these high-accident areas, authorities can make significant strides toward enhancing road safety across Sri Lanka. Measures such as installing traffic lights, improving road signage, adding speed bumps, and enhancing street lighting can mitigate risks in these areas.
The lecture also touched on the personal and social impact of traffic accidents, highlighting the emotional toll on families and communities. In areas lacking adequate lighting Gunawardane advocated the use of rumble strips. “We can’t recommend street lights at night because we have very limited funds,” Gunawardena noted. (TP)
