NTC-private bus operator pow-wow to minimise road accidents
Irangika RANGE
The National Transport Commission (NTC) will initiate a series of
meetings with private bus owners, drivers and conductors district wise
to minimise road accidents involving private buses.
NTC chairman Roshan Gunawardene said the first meeting will be held
with the participation of over 200 private bus owners,
drivers and conductors operating inter provincial buses in the
Central Province under the theme 'Mahamaga Anathuru -Walakamu
Nirathuru'.
"This will encourage drivers to obey road rules and minimise traffic
violations," he said.
Gunawardene identified three areas, the driver, condition of the
vehicle and road standard - as the three key elements which lead to an
accident.
"We cannot do much to change the road environment. However, we can
make a difference in the quality of driving standards and the vehicle
and to this end we will do our best," he added.
Gunawardene said the underlying cause of a majority of accidents was
carelessness.
"Therefore, both the driver and pedestrian had a responsibility to
correct their faulty practices."
He stressed the proposed measures will be strictly implemented to
minimise accidents and create a set of disciplined drivers. All lectures
will be delivered by local experts in their fields related to
transportation, road safety and regulations at the meeting.
Participants will be made aware on the implementation of regulations
to prevent road accidents, utilisation of GPS technology in buses,
introducing special insurance scheme for bus operators, making aware
about bus operators' contribution to the EPF and ETF and promoting road
safety measures.
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