Sri Lanka Police will take action under criminal law in addition to traffic laws against drivers who operate vehicles while intoxicated or in a reckless manner, Deputy Inspector General in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety W.G.J. Senadheera said on Monday.
Speaking at a media briefing, Senadheera said road accidents have increased this year compared to last year, with drug and alcohol use identified as the primary causes.
He said the Inspector General of Police has instructed officers to pursue criminal charges in cases where drivers are found to have driven dangerously under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, particularly when such actions result in serious accidents or loss of life.
According to police statistics, road accidents have increased by 271 incidents this year compared to the previous year, while fatalities have risen by 317. However, Senadheera noted that the number of serious accidents has shown a slight decline.
“Negligence and lack of attention by drivers are the main reasons behind the increase in accidents,” Senadheera said, adding that daily fatal accident analyses show pedestrians are the most affected group.
He said pedestrians account for about 31% of annual road accident victims, followed by motorcyclists, pillion riders and three-wheeler drivers.
Senadheera urged motorists to act responsibly and warned that driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or with gross negligence will no longer be treated as a minor traffic offence but will also be prosecuted under criminal law.
Police have stepped up enforcement as part of broader efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve road safety across the country. (Newswire)