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Shocking road tragedy

It was with profound shock that the public learnt on Saturday afternoon of a 65-year-old woman's tragic end at a pedestrian crossing at Nugegoda junction, at the hands, apparently, of a private bus driver. Public outrage at the incident had been instant and widespread with some 25 private buses being attacked by sections of the public.

Police investigations would reveal all the facts of this tragedy and it would be unwise to rush to conclusions but the impression is widespread that pedestrians are now not safe even on pedestrian crossings on our major highways. This could be confirmed by anyone who wishes to cross one of these roads at a pedestrian crossing. Except rarely, motorists do not seem to consider it obligatory to halt at pedestrian crossings when they notice pedestrians stepping on to them. This could be the result of a complete disregard for the safety of the public on the part of motorists or the consequence of a widespread ignorance of the law on their part. Private bus operators are predominant among these offenders on account of their obsession with arriving at bus halts before their rivals to collect passengers and because of other selfish considerations.

In view of the foregoing we call for a rigorous enforcement of law in regard to traffic offenses. The speedy bringing to justice of errant motorists is bound to bring about an improvement in this deplorable situation where the disrespect for human life seems to be starkly evident. We also call for expanded and frequent public awareness programs on traffic laws which are observed today more in the breach on account of, among other things, a phenomenal increase in the country's vehicular population.

We also notice that the yellow markings which signify pedestrian crossings are completely effaced at some locations because of continuous exposure to traffic and frequent use. As a result, motorists are not quite aware of where these crossings are. This too may be contributing to tragedies of the kind which were witnessed on Saturday afternoon. It is important that these markings are painted afresh if they are not visible.

The head of the Private Bus Owners' Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, was quoted saying that Saturday's eruption of public fury against private bus operators was proof of the hatred which the Government had stoked against the private bus system. This is a misguided and ill-informed point of view. No deliberate rousing of public anger against private bus operators is necessary. This union boss should remember that the harried public is not receiving value for money at the hands of most bus operators. The inhuman, coldly cruel fashion in which commuters are treated by most private bus operators, is sufficient cause for public resentment against these bus operators.

We call on the union boss to draw the correct conclusions from these glaring facts and to put his house in order first.

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