The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) reports a sharp increase in suspended driving licenses in Sri Lanka, with over 3,000 motorists temporarily banned from driving due to traffic violations this year. Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasingha, revealed that 3,249 licenses have been suspended since January, as directed by court orders following trials for various offenses on the road.
Key Highlights
- Court-Ordered Suspensions: The surge in license suspensions reflects a broader crackdown on traffic violations. Court rulings have led to 3,249 suspensions to date in 2024 for serious infractions, underscoring the importance of safe driving.
- Primary Causes of Accidents: Professor Mohamed Mahees, from the Department of Sociology at the University of Colombo, identifies reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles as leading factors in road accidents across the country.
- Systemic Issues: Beyond individual behavior, insufficient road infrastructure has been highlighted as a contributing factor to the rising accident rate, indicating a need for improvements in road safety measures and regulations.
- Vehicle Quality Checks: Professor Mahees emphasizes the importance of vehicle quality inspections to ensure safe travel, pointing out that proper maintenance and regular checks are essential to reduce accident risks.
Conclusion
With increasing incidents of road accidents, Sri Lanka faces urgent challenges in enforcing traffic laws and enhancing road safety standards. The DMT’s recent license suspensions are a strong move toward accountability, though addressing systemic issues such as road infrastructure and vehicle conditions remains essential for long-term safety.
Department of Motor Traffic (DMT)
Last modified: November 8, 2024
