Accra:Authorities are taking action to reduce road accidents by enhancing vehicle registration processes, issuing driving licenses, and conducting fitness testing, along with implementing stricter speed controls, CCTV surveillance, and driver training programs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, traffic police, highway police, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) are collaborating to enforce traffic laws, investigate road accidents, and hold accountable those responsible for such incidents. Professor Dr. Md Shamsul Hoque from the Department of Civil Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) identified reckless speeding, traffic violations, defective vehicles, mobile phone use while driving, dangerous overtaking, and inadequate pedestrian awareness as primary causes of accidents.
Dr. Hoque recommended installing speed cameras and speed breakers, conducting regular surveillance, and providing professional driver training. He emphasized the need for strict punishment for traffic violations, regular vehicle fitness tests, and the removal of unfit vehicles from roads. Additionally, he suggested improvements to footpaths and road conditions, installation of adequate lighting, traffic signals, zebra crossings, road signs, and enforcement of helmet and seat belt use.
Efforts should also be made to prevent driving under the influence of drugs or fatigue. The uncontrolled movement of easy-bikes, motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, tempos, and CNG-powered three-wheelers was identified as a major source of traffic disorder, necessitating effective regulation on highways and major roads. Dr. Hoque also pointed out footpath encroachment, roadside markets, and inadequate driver training as additional risk factors, advocating for research to identify accident-prone locations and targeted awareness campaigns through mass and social media.
Deputy Commissioner of the Lalbagh Traffic Division, Md Mofizul Islam, noted that excessive speeding and traffic rule violations on highways often result in loss of vehicle control. He stressed the importance of specialized driver training and restrictions on small vehicles on major roads to reduce accidents.
Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, secretary-general of the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, highlighted that excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, wrong-way driving, unfit vehicles, and weaknesses in vehicle inspections contribute to increasing accidents. He called for safer pedestrian crossings, median barriers, designated bus stops, adequate lighting, clear road markings, and speed limits near schools and markets.
The association reported that 5,246 people were killed and 7,544 injured in 4,233 road accidents nationwide over the past six months. Experts warned that road accidents impose lasting social and economic burdens, leaving families to cope with lost income, disability, and medical expenses. Vulnerable groups include motorcyclists, pedestrians, children, cyclists, three-wheeler passengers, and roadside residents.
Pedestrian Md Safiur Rahman emphasized the importance of avoiding rushed and indiscriminate road crossings, urging drivers to follow traffic rules and refrain from driving under the influence. He believes that greater awareness among drivers and pedestrians, along with strict law enforcement, could significantly reduce road accidents.