Most accidents in December

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry has warned the public on the likelihood of increased road accidents during December which has recorded the highest number of accidents in past years.

This year the number of accidents could increase due to various added factors, a ministry spokesman said. According to the spokesman, every year the highest number of road accidents recorded by state hospitals has been in December.

It is because of bad weather conditions,the festive season, school holidays and the rapid advancement of the road network. This year another new factor is added to the list - The Kottawa-Galle Expressway.

Every year State hospitals treat the highest number of accident victims during the month of December. The highest number of fatal accidents is also reported in the same month every year. This is due to bad weather conditions that develop from time to time during December and several other conditions.

December is also the festive season. A lot of drivers drive under the influence of liquor. School holidays allow parents to take their children on holiday trips and picnics which also involve liquor and carelessness. Drivers take liquor and have fun with kids while driving fast, he pointed out.

The road network of the country has already been developed significantly and most of the roads have already been carpeted. Drivers can drive smoothly and speedily along these newly carpeted roads, especially on the new expressway without any problem. Due to the excellent conditions of the roads a majority of drivers tend to drive fast, the spokesman said.

The Health Ministry bears a very high cost in treating accident victims. This is a significant burden for the country's health sector. The ministry has already set up a special unit to prevent road traffic accidents under its Non Communicable Disease Control Unit.

The unit will raise public awareness on accident prevention during December. Meanwhile the ministry appeals the motorists to refrain from consuming alcohol before driving and pay special attention to their safety while driving along the newly opened expressway and other roads, he added.