Editorial | Vehicle Fitness Saves Lives

Road accidents continue to claim lives and leave families struggling with loss and grief. Every accident should remind us that road safety is a shared responsibility. The recent car accident must serve as an eye-opener for vehicle owners, drivers and authorities. It is time to take vehicle fitness and roadworthiness seriously.

A vehicle may look perfectly fine from the outside, but hidden mechanical faults can make it dangerous on the road. Faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, defective steering and damaged lights can lead to serious accidents. Regular vehicle inspections and timely repairs can help identify these problems before they become life-threatening.

A valid vehicle fitness certificate is an important safety requirement. It confirms that a vehicle has met the prescribed roadworthiness standards at the time of inspection. However, many vehicle owners treat fitness checks as a formality rather than an essential responsibility. This careless approach puts the lives of drivers, passengers and other road users at risk.

The transport department must ensure that fitness inspections are carried out properly and that certificates are issued only to vehicles that meet the required standards. Authorities should strengthen roadside checks and take action against vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates. Any negligence in the inspection process can have serious consequences.

Vehicle owners must also understand that maintaining their vehicles is their responsibility. Regular servicing, checking brakes and tyres, and replacing damaged parts should never be delayed. Drivers should inspect their vehicles before long journeys and avoid driving when they notice any mechanical problem.

At the same time, vehicle fitness alone cannot prevent every accident. Overspeeding, reckless driving, mobile phone use and ignoring traffic rules remain major concerns. Road safety requires responsible driving, strict enforcement and public awareness.

The recent accident should not become another news story that people forget after a few days. It must encourage everyone to think seriously about the condition of vehicles on our roads. Authorities should organise awareness campaigns and educate drivers about the importance of regular inspections and safe driving.

Every life is precious, and no journey should put it at unnecessary risk. A fitness certificate is more than a legal document. It is a reminder that keeping a vehicle roadworthy is part of protecting human life. The authorities must enforce the rules, and vehicle owners must follow them. Safer roads begin with responsible choices.