Highest number of road incidents this year from motorcycles

The highest number of fatal road incidents recorded so far this year, compared to last year, are reported from motorcycles, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety W.P.J. Senadheera revealed.

DIG Senadheera mentioned that an increase is observed in motorcycle collisions and loss of young lives. The DIG presented these facts while participating in a press conference held at the Police Headquarters today (13).

However, he also said that a decrease in the number of fatal road mishaps and fatalities is reported during the period so far this year compared to last year.

He mentioned that 1,605 fatal road mishaps are reported from this country so far this year, and the number of fatalities caused is 1,693.

Further he mentioned that 3,125 serious mishaps, 6,477 minor mishaps, and 2,388 mishaps causing only property damage are also reported during this period.

When compared with last year, fatal road mishaps decreased by 79 and the number of deceased decreased by 88, he said.

Among the deceased, are 555 pedestrians, 603 motorcyclists, 119 pillion riders, and 115 cyclists reported, he added.

Meanwhile, out of the total mishaps, the number of mishaps occurring from motorcycles increased significantly, and the country's young generation became the main victims of it, he mentioned.

"Many people are bedridden after being subjected to serious mishaps. A lot of these people are young. These are not visible to society. This needs to be looked at before the mishap happens; especially youth around 18-20 years of age are at the highest risk in these mishaps. Some people do not even have a legal licence. Even certain parents help these people commit these wrongs. Certain parents buy and give motorcycles when children pass exams," DIG Senadheera emphasised.

When considering the road system in Sri Lanka, the increase in vehicle registration and high speed caused these mishaps, he further mentioned.

The total number of vehicles in Sri Lanka is close to 9.2 million, and nearly 5.200,000 out of that are registered as motorcycles, the DIG mentioned.

The registration of motorcycles rose rapidly during the past three-year period, and the increase in the quantity of motorcycles added to the road system directly affected the rise in road mishaps; in addition, the high speed of the young generation and the use of vehicles emitting loud sounds represent the main reason for these mishaps, DIG Senadheera pointed out.