Minister makes shocking disclosure:

Nearly 200,000 drivers mentally unfit

Irangika Range

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said around 200,000 drivers out of 2 million in the country are not mentally and physically capable of driving motor vehicles according to the statistics issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

"That is why a new system was formulated to provide medical certificate for new driving licence which will only be issued to drivers who are in good mental and physical shape," the Minister added.

The Minister was addressing the ceremony to introduce new medical certificates for new driving licence, organized by the National Transport Medical Institute under the theme "There is a healthy driver behind each steering wheel." He said the new system will ensure the public safety as well.

A new medical certificate has been designed replacing the old system which is 30 years old.

The new medical certificate will only be issued by the National Transport Medical Institute.

This is to prevent frauds in the issue of bogus medical certificates to obtain driving licences.

On the implementation of this system, it will prevent drivers with health problems taking the wheel.

This situation will save the lives of both passengers and pedestrians. The Minister further said that the public wants drivers to maintain good relations with passengers and to be service-oriented, for example through provision of information to passengers on timetables, routes, bus stops, fares, etc.

"It is timely need of preparing new driving licence according to the modern-day requirements and the public safety," the Minister said.

According to the statistics, 30 percent of drivers involved in road accidents are not capable of driving.

It is also reported that 30,000 road accidents resulted in 2,000 deaths and 30,000 disabilities have taken place during the past 10 years due to reckless driving.

Though, it is not on record about the amount of the insurance claims paid by the private sector for road accidents, the Government has paid nearly Rs.10 billion annually.

"We can avert this situation with the implementation of new medical certificate through the proper medical test for drivers," the Minister said.