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| Friday, 9 April 2004 |
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It's time to belt up by Fathima Razik Cader No lesser a body than the World Health Organisation (WHO) thought it fit to declare Road Safety as the theme for World Health Day (7th April). The fact that Road Safety is brought into focus rather than some of the other killer diseases should make one realize the importance that is being given to this particular issue at this point in time. In the past, this writer has focused on the need to reduce the number of accidents in Sri Lanka in order to save on the enormous costs that the State incurs annually, in treating accident victims. The pain of body and mind that victims have to endure, the anxiety and inconvenience, and a sense of despair that families face, so evident in such situations, tugs at every human heart. This is further compounded by the financial loss borne by the family of the victims, the loss to society and to the economy. Whilst the authorities concerned - namely the Ministry of Transport, the Traffic Police Headquarters and SweRoad (Consultants to the Ministry of Transport on Road Safety) have a well researched and detailed plan of action for each road safety component that will effectively bring down the number of accidents and thereby the resultant injuries, it is also up to all civic-minded citizens to make their own contribution as well, in this regard. This major social and health problem is getting more complex in view of the progressive increase in traffic, more and more road users and development in terms of urbanization. Although this is a global problem, Sri Lanka records around 55,000 accidents a year if one were to take into account the statistics available in the last two to three years. Of this number, around 2100 are fatal accidents, 3500 are grievous, 13,000 are non-grievous and the balance accounts for damages only to the vehicles involved. In order to make a positive contribution towards minimizing injuries to occupants, particularly in light vehicles, the Ministry of Transport, the Traffic Police Headquarters and SweRoad, will in the near future, launch an island-wide campaign to educate and create awareness on the need to and the effectiveness of wearing safety belts by not only the driver of the vehicle but also the passengers both in the front and rear. Safety Belts are standard fittings in most vehicles that ply on the roads and in fact, vehicles imported into the country in the past 15 years or so, have safety belts. However, most drivers and passengers do not use them for a number of reasons, some of them being its uncomfortable, others are not wearing the belt, one is travelling only a short distance, and, a good driver does not need one amongst other reasons. In contrast, research has proved that one can safely predict a 50 per cent reduction in the number of fatalities and injuries - both grievous and non-grievous when safety belts are worn. Correspondingly, the costs incurred by the State, and the families of victims also come down whilst overall, the economy will also not be affected that negatively. The research team from SweRoad, in two surveys conducted in February and March 2004, in various parts of Colombo and also in Negombo and Kalutara, to obtain the views of drivers and passengers with regard to wearing the safety belt every time they get into their vehicles, states that, most drivers were positive in their attitude to change and wearing the safety belt on a regular basis should it become mandatory by law. In fact, the draft law in this respect, is due to be submitted for approval and subsequent implementation, this year. However, most drivers questioned on the safety belt and its effectiveness in reducing the extent of injury in an accident, were of the view that safety belts do reduce the extent of injury in an accident although at this point in time, they do not wear them as there is no legislation to enforce the use of the belts. If one were to take the Sri Lankan psyche into consideration, most drivers and passengers were of the view that once some start wearing their safety belts, the others are bound to follow. To most people, the rear seat appears to be safe. They therefore do not regard the rear safety belts as a necessity. This has been proved to be untrue. Safety belt tests and accident fatalities have recorded that an unbelted adult in the rear seat has about a 90 per cent chance of being injured compared to an unbelted front seat passenger. In a collision, an unbelted rear seat passenger can knock against parts of the car and be thrown through the front or rear windscreens or even the windows. In addition, such a passenger can also knock against another passenger in the rear seat, injuring each other or even resulting in death. An unbelted rear seat passenger can also injure or kill a belted front seat passenger. It has been proved through research and study that an impact of an unbelted passenger being thrown in an accident can be compared to the weight of an elephant. Some of the important points that one must remember are:- One must never strap on a safety belt with a child on the lap. Never put two children in one safety belt. Pregnant women are not automatically exempt from wearing a safety belt. In the event of an accident, the belt could save the lives of both the mother and the unborn child. Airbags do not replace the need of the safety belt. With a safety belt in place, the airbag further reduces the risk of death or extent of injury in an accident. Airbags can also cause grievous harm in an accident if the driver or front seat passenger is not strapped in. These facts should certainly prove that the wearing of safety belts should come as second nature to any driver or passenger. Let us hope that Sri Lankans will take cognizance of these facts and belt up. After all, it is in their own interest and that of their loved ones to do so, apart from the positive contribution that they can make towards reducing the extent of injury or even preventing death in an accident. This positive contribution will have a positive chain reaction as well as the victims, their families, society, the economy and finally the State too stands to gain. As far as we are concerned, the State denotes our country - Sri Lanka. |
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