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.