Reckless driving cause of alarming traffic accidents

Irangika Range

Reckless driving causes around 22,000 road accidents annually and strict measures will be taken by the Motor Commissioner’s Department in issuing driving licenses in the future, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said.

Welgama was participating at a ceremony held to distribute certificates for 141 driving instructors attached to the Motor Commissioner’s Department in Werahara recently. He said in recent times, deaths and injuries in road accidents have become a common phenomenon.

It is necessary to learner-drivers to get instructions from a qualified and experienced driving instructor. Due to this the Motor Commissioner’s Department has taken measures to recruit 141 qualified driving instructors. The Minister said that driving instructors have a big role to play in curbing reckless driving.

They have to impart traffic laws to students which can help them to understand how the rules apply to a variety of driving situations. Professional driver training allows a driver to learn, practice and gain experience.

It is reported many drivers drive recklessly due to lack of qualified instructions and it has been led to causing injuries to passengers, other road users and drivers themselves, he said. Welgama said driving instructors have a big responsibility to improve drivers’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become safe, responsible and thoughtful drivers. He said drivers should always abide by the law while improving patience, adhere to highway rules and regulations, refrain from driving after consumption of liquor, he said.

Meanwhile, the Department will recruit more women driving instructors since there is a big demand from women for driving licenses, he said.