It is reported that new ‘townships’ are to be constructed to replace those devastated by the tsunami. Taking into consideration practical realities, I make the following suggestions:

(A) Roads in the new towns should be constructed like in Kalutara, where there are very few or no traffic blocks, and an accident is rare.

The main reason for this is the existence of three primary roads:

(i) The man centre road where parking is prohibited enables vehicles to pass through the town easily without any hindrance.

(ii) Two adjacent roads on either side of the main centre road for the daily use of people of the area take the other traffic.

(iii) Buildings are on the outer side of the outer roads. This is very practical especially where expressways pass through towns.

(B) I would also suggest the construction of bicycle lanes along all main roads in the country. With the transport problem aggravating with even pregnant mothers and school girls hanging precariously on the footboard of overcrowded buses and the cost of travelling escalating, many office workers and school children including girls would prefer to cycle if it were safe. Many forego a meal or even two in order to pay the daily busfare. Thus, many would love to cycle even as an exercise if the roads are made safe for them.

Cycle lanes should be built during the construction of all new roads and they should be separated from the main roads by a kerb to prevent trishaws and motor cycles using them. Cycle lanes should also be separated from all existing main roads.

Since the vast number of accidents reported involves cyclists, I am sure that cycle lanes apart from being a boon to the poor would also drastically reduce the number of accidents reported.

(C) All pedestrian crossings should be on a slightly elevated ground as at the entrance to the Moratuwa University. This prevents vehicles from speeding through and also does not inconvenience the drivers because the vehicles need only to be slowed down and not stopped unnecessarily.

Humps should be constructed at all main pedestrian crossings in the towns and at the entrances to schools.

Speed breakers not necessarily as high as humps should be constructed at all main junctions so that speed fiends would not be inclined to outsmart the other by speeding at junctions. Many accidents occur at junctions even where there are traffic lights because everyone is trying to beat the other by jumping the amber. I am sure that speed breakers would prevent such haste.

If pedestrian crossings as suggested are on a slightly elevated ground or located between speed breakers, pedestrians could step on to the crossings with confidence. Accidents at crossings too would be drastically reduced.

As in the case of medicine, where prevention is given the pride of place, the Traffic Police too should think proactively and introduce measures to prevent accidents on pedestrian crossings as well as elsewhere.

Those who do not obey the law should be compelled to do so.

Very unfortunately those who make crucial decisions are all private vehicle owners who themselves would love to ply pass pedestrian crossings without shifting gears and without giving two hoots to the safety of pedestrians. The authorities get galvanised into action only when a disaster strikes like the death of a school child or pregnant mother in a road accident. After introducing measures to pacify the angry public, they return to their slumber. The poor pedestrian is always the looser.

I am sure if my humble suggestions are considered, there would be a drastic reduction in accidents and traffic congestion which is eating away a sizeable amount of man hours and foreign exchange in terms of fuel burnt unnecessarily. I am certain many other daily road users would have worthy practical suggestions to make.