Highlighting the importance of sound driving

RECKLESS driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents in Bangladesh. In fact, most of the accidents on our roads occur due to hasty and irresponsible driving by unskilled or semi-skilled drivers. However, road accidents have increased at an alarming rate resulting in deaths of and injuries to a huge number of people every year. At least 4,284 people, including 516 women and 539 children, were killed with 9,112 more injured in 3,472 separate road accidents in our country in the year 2017. We also see more accidents are taking place during the festivals like Eid. Occurrences of accidents in 2017 increased by 15.82 per cent and the number of deaths rose by 25.56 per cent over those of 2016. In all fairness, the government should step up its vigilance on highways and ensure that the offenders of reckless driving do not go unpunished. Greater attention should be given to rein in the number of road accidents to make our roads and highways safer. The government along with transport unions should start an awareness campaign highlighting various aspects of road safety. As the number of accidents on highways has been mounting, it is high time we take adequate steps to prevent the rising number of tragedies.

Mohammed Farhan

Banani, Dhaka