Leader of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity in a recent programme said that ‘serial killings are taking place in Bangladesh in the name of road accidents’. Several other transport leaders and civil society members have also said road accidents in Bangladesh kill more people than some epidemics. In the latest incident, four people were killed and another four injured in a road accident in Chakoria of Cox’s Bazar yesterday. The accident took place when a Cox’s Bazar-bound bus knocked a Chittagong-bound microbus in Gayalmara area on Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway.
Deaths and injuries in road accidents are more or less preventable. For this, it needs implementation of road safety measures successfully and effectively. Specially, what’s needed is incorporation of comprehensive road safety programs into national planning. But we do not see such initiative despite increasing deaths on the roads each and every day. In reality, awareness about the road accidents is lagging among policymakers and the general public.
Road accident is nothing new in Bangladesh. Several expert committees have already identified the reasons behind the accidents on roads and highways. But what is surprising-the authorities are not sincere to implement their recommendations. Inexperienced and unlicensed driver is an important component of road accidents. Driving at excess speeds, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while sleepy or tired, when visibility is compromised or telephonic conversation — are major factors in fatal crashes and serious injuries.
Bangladesh has entered into the digital era. There are several new technologies which can be used to reduce road accidents. These include intelligent speed adaptation, in which the vehicle determines the speed limit for the road; alcohol-ignition interlock systems that detect alcohol on the breath of drivers, preventing them from starting their engines; or electronic driver improvement monitors that connect individual driver profile assessments and an individual vehicle operator’s actual driving performance.
At the same time, the Communication Ministry will have to activate Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Highway Police and other related departments to implement the law against the rule-breakers without any compromise.
But first of all, there is no option except creating awareness among policymakers and general people about the accidents.
