Road traffic accidents had claimed the lives of 10 persons on December 16 and 17, Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.
“Seven fatal accidents were reported on December 16 while three injured persons who were admitted to hospital had also succumbed on December 17 increasing the number of fatalities to 10,” he said, adding that there is an increase in the number of road accidents taking place.
Therefore, the DIG said that the Traffic Police is planning on conducting a massive operation over the weekend to nab speeding and drivers under the influence of liquor and other substances. Hence, he appealed to all road users including drivers and pedestrians to stay safe and not become victims of road accidents or perpetrators of such offences.
“All precautionary measures would be taken and we will charge all undisciplined drivers and their vehicles would also be impounded. Such undisciplined drivers would be produced in court and their vehicles too would be taken into police custody. While they drivers would be dealt with according to the law, even pedestrians should always use the proper crossings and avoid using the main roads or thoroughfares for exercising. Be vigilant at all times and avoid accidents,” he warned.
DIG Ajith Rohana said that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, around 10 persons had died due to road accidents but with the restriction of movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of road accidents had decreased. However, the number of road accidents is once again reaching the pre-COVID stage despite numerous efforts taken by the Police to educate road users on safety and measures taken to prevent drunk driving and reckless driving.
He said that in addition to those killed due to road accidents, many are rendered disabled due to injuries sustained by road accidents. Therefore, he appealed to the public to drive responsibly during this festive season and refrain from taking the wheel after consuming alcohol. He also appealed to pedestrians to be careful while on the streets and follow proper safety measures when crossing the road.