Caution urged to prevent traffic, firework accidents

The government has urged the public to exercise caution and minimize road accidents and fireworks-related incidents during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year seasons.

Reports indicate that a significant number of accidents occur during this festive period, and approximately 36% are attributed to the use of fireworks.

In addition, 17 percent of eye injuries reported during this time are also due to the use of firecrackers and fireworks, according to the government.

In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Health have collaborated on a special program aimed at raising awareness and reducing incidents of road accidents and firework-related injuries during the festive season.

The Ministry of Transport and the National Council on Road Safety convened a press conference at the Presidential Media Center (PMC) on Tuesday (09). The purpose of this media briefing was to inform the public about measures being taken to mitigate road accidents during the festive period.

Dr. Sajith Ranathunga, a consultant surgeon at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), highlighted the concerning increase in fatalities resulting from head-on collisions, three-wheeler accidents, and motorcycle accidents.