On Monday 28 October, I was driving along Galle Road opposite Sampath Bank at 5.45 am. This section of the Galle Road is partly carpeted, leaving one layer of asphalt slightly over the other. The result is a rough edge on the middle of the road that is a potential danger to the pedestrians.

As I was approaching this area, a lady was crossing the road wearing slippers. She was watching the oncoming traffic to her left and her slipper front got caught in the protrusion and she fell flat on the middle of the road.

Fortunately at this time there were no oncoming vehicles and she lives to tell the harrowing tale to her loved ones. If this could happen to an adult, what about numerous school children who cross this section daily?

I will not end this letter with the ever so familiar comment "Over to you authorities", since I have no connections to plod them into action. Instead, I will appeal to all pedestrians and motorists to be extra cautious.

In any case, it will be a worthwhile exercise for the HR bosses of the factories in the vicinity to educate their staff of this potential death trap. They may never know that they saved a life!

During our schooldays we were told to look to our left, then to our right, again to our left and quickly cross the road. But now there seems to be a fourth step. See where you step, and walk carefully. It is sad that road accidents are adding to the statistics of vehicle accidents which are already alarming.

RNF Moratuwa