Top 5 potential causes of highway deaths: Aviva draws lessons from UK

36,371 people were killed on the UK’s roads in the 10 years to 2010 according to the BBC.  But despite this, the lowest number of deaths occurred in the UK’s Motorways, which would be similar to Sri Lanka’s new Highway.  The Motorways are not crash-free however and when accidents occur they can be very severe with heavy loss of life.  Accidents tend to cluster around junctions where vehicles leave or enter the highway.

The top 5 causes of highway accidents in the UK have been identified as driving too close to the car in front and not leaving a safe breaking distance, also known as tailgating; driver lack of focus or concentration and thus reduced reaction time; problems related to vehicle breakdown and poor weather conditions which aggravates all of these.  

The UK has been able to drastically reduce highway deaths by greater driver awareness of these risks.  With the opening of Sri Lanka’s first Highway linking Colombo and Galle, it is evident that maintaining good highway etiquette is essential for safety.  

It is advisable for drivers entering Sri Lanka’s first historic highway to take heed from the UK experience.  Avoid driving too close to the car in front, and leave a safe breaking distance.  Fatigue is another cause of accidents on a long and seemingly endless road even though with the opening of the highway, the drive from Colombo to Galle has been reduced to one hour.   

Poor weather conditions that create reduced visibility during heavy rain can result in accidents through skidding.   Also, it is just good sense to make sure your vehicle is in peak condition before you enter the highway.  A breakdown will inconvenience other drivers a great deal and could easily lead to a pile up.  Also, importantly, drivers should immediately adjust to normal speed and driving style once they leave the highway.  

Managing Director of AVIVA NDB Insurance Shah Rouf pointed out that drivers in Sri Lanka can benefit from UK’s experience. “As a responsible insurer concerned about safety we are taking steps to keep our stakeholders extra cautious when driving on the newly opened highway and are enlightening them on the importance of highway etiquette” he said.