Consideration is being given to a one-year suspension of driving licenses for individuals found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing accidents.
This proposal is among several to be presented to a parliamentary select committee, which Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe is urging the Speaker to appoint.
The minister has written to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, urging the formation of a select committee to address the escalating issue of road accidents.
In his correspondence, the minister highlights the alarming number of accidents resulting in loss of life and permanent or partial disability, which burdens the healthcare system and impacts the economy. He emphasizes the economic repercussions of individuals losing their livelihoods due to accidents.
With over 2,200 accidents and 2,310 accident-related fatalities recorded last year, along with 6,195 serious injuries and 9,725 minor injuries, the minister underscores the vulnerability of pedestrians and motorcyclists to road accidents.
To address this pressing concern, the minister proposes the establishment of a special select committee comprising 11 members tasked with reducing the rising trend of accidents.
He further urges the Speaker to request the select committee to produce a report within four months and to grant the committee authority to operate even during parliamentary prorogation.
The select committee's mandate includes identifying the root causes of traffic accidents and recommending amendments to relevant laws.
Additionally, the minister advocates for the enactment of new traffic regulations and increased penalties. He advocates for the adoption of a merit system that would result in temporary or permanent license suspension based on traffic violations committed.
