The recent bus accident in Badulla that claimed two lives and left around 40 injured has attracted the attention of both the authorities and the public, and the probes are in progress to find out whether the accident was a result of a technical issue or a human error. The incident involved a bus carrying a group of students of the Southern Campus of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
Sri Lanka's public transport system is a lifeline for millions struggling to survive the economic crisis, trades, and the much-needed tourism sector. However, the rising toll of road accidents highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive National Public Transport Safety Policy. Implementing such a policy is crucial for reducing accidents and fostering a culture of road safety across the country.
Road safety in Sri Lanka is a growing concern with various reports claiming that approximately 12,000 to 15,000 road accidents occur a year. Although the authorities have from time to time introduced various programmes to improve road safety, the share of the vehicles that are covered through these programmes is a concern. With statistics showing thousands of accidents annually, the need for systematic interventions that go beyond merely issuing warnings and imposing laws and regulations, is clear. A national safety policy would provide a structured framework to analyse and address the root causes of these incidents, and by employing data-driven approaches, Sri Lanka could adopt best practices from successful transport systems worldwide.
A robust safety policy would begin with rigorous data collection and analysis. Currently, many road accidents go under-reported or are inadequately investigated, which at times is a result of people tending to overlook minor road accidents as unimportant. Establishing a national database for traffic incidents would enable authorities to identify patterns, high-risk areas, and contributing factors, and this information can inform targeted interventions, such as infrastructure improvements, better traffic management, and focused public awareness campaigns.
Furthermore, a national policy would emphasise the importance of and support driver training and public awareness, without which no plan can be successful. For a country like Sri Lanka where warnings and instructions are easily taken lightly, however, more innovative approaches need to be employed. Be it social media or another form, such efforts should be effective rather than attractive.
Buses, both private and public, take a special role in this discussion. With the people tending to identify buses as one of the most unsafe vehicles due to reckless driving, and with various vehicle modifications that have a negative impact on a bus’s safety becoming more prevalent in the private bus industry, the authorities can begin there.
One of the most crucial issues that should receive the authorities’ attention is bus drivers’ wellbeing, which The Daily Morning has pointed out on many occasions. According to private bus drivers/owners, at present, private bus drivers that travel long routes do not have adequate facilities to rest and maintain hygiene, and it is an issue that has persisted for a long time. Ensuring that public transport operators undergo effective training programmes and are provided with adequate facilities can significantly reduce accidents caused by human error. This policy could mandate regular assessments and refreshers to keep drivers updated on best practices and safety regulations.
Public awareness campaigns, coupled with educational programmes, can cultivate a culture of safety among commuters and drivers alike, promoting responsible behaviour on the roads.
In addition to improving safety, a comprehensive public transport safety policy would bolster the economy as well. Safer roads mean fewer accidents, leading to reduced medical costs, less property damage, and minimal disruptions to daily life. This, in turn, will enhance the overall efficiency of the transport system, making it more reliable for commuters and attractive for tourists.