AA rolls out safety initiative “Don’t Drive Blind” to curb distracted driving in Sri Lanka

From left: Automobile Association of Ceylon Consultant Anton Kandiah, Executive Committee Member Prasanna De Zoysa, Vice President Ananda Dangalla, Sri Lanka Police DIG Indika Hapugoda, Automobile Association of Ceylon President Dhammika Attygalle, Secretary Devapriya Hettiarachchi and Optimum Q Director Marketing Santhush Ratnasinghe

• Collaborative effort involving National Road Safety Council and Optimum Q Event and Project Management with grant funding from FIA

Automobile Association (AA) of Ceylon, has rolled out a safety initiative titled “Don’t Drive Blind” to curb distracted driving in Sri Lanka.

AA said, Sri Lanka, a country renowned for its scenic beauty, faces a grim reality on its roads. With over 3,500 road accident deaths annually, 9,000 critical accidents, and 12,000 minor accidents, the need for urgent action to enhance road safety cannot be overstated.

The rampant use of mobile phones while driving, consistently topping the list of traffic offenses in Colombo and Galle districts in both 2019 and 2022, has become a grave concern. It’s high time we address this alarming habit that has taken root in our society and adopt global best practices to ensure the safety of all road users.

AA said, the new campaign is a crucial phase in our ongoing efforts to make Sri Lankan roads safer. Don’t Drive Blind is a research-based, evidence-driven intervention designed to help drivers curb their mobile phone use while behind the wheel. Its approach is rooted in principles proven to break harmful habits, similar to those used to combat smoking or texting addiction. The ultimate goal is to empower drivers to break this dangerous habit for good.

Through the campaign, it aims to educate the public about the perils of using mobile phones while driving and create a widespread understanding that distracted driving is akin to ‘the new drink driving’ or a form of negligent driving with far-reaching consequences.

Through applied research, the campaign intends to provide an evidence-based resource platform aimed at reducing in-vehicle mobile phone use, primarily among young drivers, who are more susceptible to this risky behaviour.

The campaign is in partnership with the National Road Safety Council and Optimum Q Event and Project Management, demonstrating the commitment to a multi-faceted approach to tackling this issue.

AA Ceylon also acknowledged grant funding support from FIA.

“Through Don’t Drive Blind, we are taking the first steps towards a safer future on our roads. We urge all Sri Lankan drivers to join us in this mission to reduce mobile phone use behind the wheel. Together, we can make a difference and save countless lives,” AA said.