Rising numbers of road crash

Within the span of a few hours, two pile ups and four crashes on and around Bangabandhu Bridge claimed the lives of six people, and left 50 more injured on Saturday. Unfortunately, such untimely deaths in road mishaps, particularly on highways, have become a regular phenomenon. According to a recently published report by the Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association, at least 8,642 people were killed and 21,855 injured in road accidents across the country last year alone. Of the injured, 1,305 became permanently disabled. The statistics are alarming, but what is even more worrying is how little has been done over the years to address the epidemic. Lack of systematic intervention, which has destroyed the lives of tens of thousands over the years, continues to put our lives at risk. 

We have repeatedly highlighted the importance of ending the culture of impunity that protects reckless drivers, many of whom operate with faulty or expired licenses. The traffic police department needs to play a more effective role in identifying overloaded and unfit vehicles, and holding drunk and reckless drivers accountable. 

With a majority of those killed in accidents being breadwinners for their families, it is imperative that we institute an accessible legal framework through which victims and their families can press for compensation from drivers responsible for the accidents and/or owners who employ such drivers. 

We agree with the recommendations of the association, particularly that we involve the media to raise public awareness on traffic rules, construct separate lanes for slow-moving vehicles on highways and set up trauma centres near highways to provide immediate care to accident victims.