I write with reference to a letter published in your Opinion Column recently on the above subject sent by one Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra of Colombo 03.  

When talking on accidents on the road, the pedestrians also should use the road in a responsible manner, according to laid down road rules. Most people in Sri Lanka have still not got used to signalling to oncoming vehicles that they are about to cross the road. At times drivers of vehicles get confused when pedestrians cross the road on the spur of the moment without declaring their intention to do so. This is the main reason why accidents happen at pedestrian crossings.

The Traffic Police will fine vehicle drivers readily, but not the pedestrians for not using the pedestrian crossing sensibly. The fact that there is a pedestrian crossing does not mean the public could use it at their own whim and fancy. Only when there is a break in traffic or a lull in traffic movement could a pedestrian crossing be used. Or else, it will cause chaos and greater fatalities on our roads. The Traffic Police should educate pedestrians how and when to use pedestrian crossings. One way is to paste posters at important intersections (crossings) or via radio and TV.

My opinion is that everyone has a role to play as a responsible citizen.