Legal action has been initiated against nearly 3,000 motorists and passengers for failing to wear seatbelts in vehicles travelling on expressways, as police step up the strict enforcement of seatbelt regulations.
Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera, who is in charge of the Police Traffic Management and Road Safety Division, said the seatbelt law is now being strictly enforced with the primary objective of protecting motorists and passengers.
He stressed that the regulations are being implemented for public safety rather than simply to penalise road users.
Senadheera noted that vehicles are permitted to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h on expressways, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury to passengers who are not properly restrained in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
He cited an 11-vehicle collision on the Southern Expressway, which occurred the day after the seatbelt law was enforced, as an example of the importance of wearing seatbelts.
According to the DIG, passengers involved in the collision sustained only minor injuries, while no fatalities were reported.
He said the incident demonstrated the effectiveness of seatbelts in reducing the severity of injuries during high-speed accidents.
Senadheera urged the public to understand that seatbelts should not be worn merely to avoid police action, but as an essential safety measure to protect their own lives.
He added that taking legal action against those violating the regulations is also intended to increase public awareness of the importance of wearing seatbelts while travelling. (Newswire)