The National New Year dawns in two days and preparations to celebrate this annual festival in the post Covid 19 era are visible with shoppers thronging the streets to snap up gifts at bargain prices, children buying firecrackers and housewives with lists of ingredients to make their own sweetmeats to serve their guests. In addition to these pedestrians crowding our narrow streets are the large number of vehicles speeding along the roads indifferent to the safety of those crossing their path. With road accidents still at unacceptable levels,and casualties (mostly children) from fireworks although down, are still being reported at the Accident ward, the Sunday Observer spoke to the National Coordinator for Training, Pushpa Ramya De Zoyza, NHSL to find out how we could reduce these mainly avoidable accidents to make the New Year safe for us all.
Who were the main culprits causing road accidents which have reached a new high? we asked.
In reply she said, “The main culprits were motor cyclists, three wheelers, drunk drivers and speed maniacs.’
What about pedestrians who don’t heed road rules ? we queried.
Agreeing, she said, “ Yes,pedestrians are also to be blamed, ‘’and added that she herself had noticed many young people continuing to use their mobile phones while crossing the road, not heeding the traffic using the road as though it belongs to them. Traffic Police sources have reportedly confirmed this saying that even after they had conducted awareness programs and classes for offenders, they return to their old habits forgetting what they have learned. And that it is the same offenders that keep doing this. Perhaps a stiffer fine for pedestrians who break these regulations should be introduced”, she observed,
Asked how Sri Lanka’s accident figures compared to global figures she said, “Our figures are very similar. The consequences of such tragic accidents are life-long health issues for those injured, while for children who have either witnessed the accidents or lost their parents, it has caused mental problems among 80 percent of them.”
Gender wise and age-wise we asked if there was a difference in the number of victims.
“Gender-wise, over 80 percent of males died in road accidents due to careless driving, speeding and showing off. This affects their families, society and the economy”, she noted. “What is even more shocking is that, in the case of bike riders, fifty percent of them died on the very first day of their experience of riding their bikes”.
Commenting on the way three wheeler drivers use the roads she said more emphasis was needed on educating the young drivers who use the road as though they own it.Citing examples, she said “If you walk along the road you will see how three wheelers try to overtake other vehicles without any warning, cutting into their paths and forcing them onto the path of oncoming traffic, thereby causing a traffic jam or an accident.
Then, there are young motorcyclists trying to show off by driving recklessly, and many of them don’t have proper licences or carry more than two passengers they are allowed and have faulty brakes as well.”
Asked if parents were also to blame when a young child entrusted in their care met with an accident on the road.
In reply she said,” Awareness raising programs have been conducted in schools to teach children how to use roads safely. Parents have been invited to attend these programs as well and we have instilled in them the importance of accompanying their children while crossing a busy road. However, there have been instances when an active youngster suddenly lets go of his parents’ hands and runs off on his own to get into his vehicle parked outside the school, or to greet a friend. This can be dangerous as an oncoming vehicle can knock them over if they jump into their path suddenly,” she warned.
Guidelines
On the dangers of using firecrackers especially when it involved children we asked for some guidelines she could offer to parents and adults.
Following are some of the Do’s and don’ts she listed:
On fire crackers she said, the number of incidents had diminished compared to previous years due to awareness raising. She warned parents to refrain from allowing young children to light firecrackers without their supervision and to ensure that the child’s eyes and face were protected.
We also asked her to give us advice on the Do’s and Don’ts of lighting fireworks, and first aid if any injury was sustained. She offered the following guidelines:
Do’s.
lLight firecrackers outdoors, as they are potential fire hazards
lLight one firecracker at a time
lDo not hold a firecracker while lighting it
lDo not pick up failed firecrackers, they can still explode
lWhen lighting fireworks like a fountain, do not bend directly over the pyrotechnic devices
lDo not throw firecrackers at passing people or vehicles
lDo not allow children to hold firecrackers, especially, the watusi and the piccolo
But accidents do happen and sometimes, an injury still occurs despite all your care. Here are some things you can do if it happens:
Standard for Fire cracker
Individual items must bear cautionary labelling giving a signal word, statement of hazard(s), and instructions for proper use.
All cautionary labelling must be located prominently and in all three languages in conspicuous and legible type, in contrast to typography, layout or colour with any other printed or graphic matter on the label.
The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, distributor, or seller must appear on the label of each product.
WARNING:
EMITS SHOWERS OF SPARKS
SHOOTS FLAMING BALLS
USE ONLY UNDER CLOSE ADULT
SUPERVISION
FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY
PLACE UPRIGHT ON HARD,
SMOOTH SURFACE
DO NOT HOLD IN HAND
NEVER HAVE
ANY PART OF YOUR
BODY OVER THE DEVICE WHEN
LIGHTING THE FUSE
LIGHT FUSE AND GET AWAY
NEVER RELIGHT A FUSE THAT
FAILS TO IGNITE THE DEVICE
1. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
2. Always have an adult to supervise fireworks activities. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks including sparklers. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
3. Avoid buying illegal fireworks packages . This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
4. Be careful when lighting the fuse. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back away to a safe distance.
5. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. After the fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
6. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
7. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”