This week, Sri Lanka’s Police authorities responsible for traffic control and road safety made a significant announcement – motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or engaging in reckless driving will face action under applicable criminal laws, in addition to penalties under traffic regulations. The Police noted that driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of serious road accidents in the country.

The urgency of this move is underscored by alarming statistics. Compared to last year, road accidents have increased by 271 incidents, while deaths have risen by 317. According to the Police, pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users accounting for 31% of all road accident victims. These figures are not merely numbers. They represent lives lost and a public safety crisis that can no longer be addressed through leniency or symbolic enforcement.

In this context, the Police’s decision deserves strong support. If reckless or intoxicated driving results in conduct that constitutes a criminal offence, there is nothing unjust or excessive about enforcing criminal law where applicable. Traffic law violations should not be viewed as minor infractions that can be forgotten after just a fine. When irresponsible driving endangers lives, the legal system should reflect the seriousness of that risk. The public must feel and understand that operating a vehicle carries heavy responsibility that involves the lives of many.

While reckless driving may sometimes stem from negligence or momentary irresponsibility, driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants is different. It is not an accident. Drivers are fully aware that consuming alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time and control, and when a person knowingly takes the wheel while being under the influence, they make a choice to put others at risk. Such conduct warrants the full force of the law, not only as a punishment but also as a deterrent to others who might make the same dangerous decision.

However, enforcement alone is not enough. Preventing road tragedies requires a broader, more systemic approach which includes promoting responsible driving. In this regard, the Government’s recent announcement of a demerit points system for driving licences, scheduled to begin next year, is a step in the right direction. This long-discussed and much-delayed system must be implemented without compromise. If enforced stringently and transparently, it can discourage habitual offenders and send the message that unsafe driving has consequences even if no major accident was caused.

Another crucial area that deserves attention is the regulation of driving schools. At present, it is far too easy to pass driving tests and obtain a licence, often without adequate training or emphasis on discipline and road ethics. Driving schools must be properly regulated and monitored to ensure that they provide rigorous and standardised training that prioritises safety, responsibility and respect for the law. A driving licence should be proof of competence and not merely a formality.

Vehicle maintenance is another neglected aspect in the discussion on road safety. Too often, regulatory attention is limited to emission testing, while broader issues and flaws pertaining to maintaining vehicles are overlooked. Periodic and comprehensive vehicle evaluations should be introduced to ensure that vehicles on the road are properly maintained. Just as driving licences require renewal, vehicle permits should also be evaluated regularly making maintenance an unavoidable obligation for vehicle owners.

At the end of the day, no law or regulation can substitute for self-discipline. A culture of responsible driving must be cultivated through awareness campaigns, public discussions and education. Respect for pedestrians, adherence to speed limits and sober driving must become social norms rather than legal burdens. When drivers internalise the responsibility they carry, meaningful change will become possible. Road safety is not merely a matter of enforcement. It is a shared societal duty, and treating dangerous driving as a serious offence is crucial.