New BRTA move increases risk of road accidents

Several media outlets have reported that a circular published on the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority's (BRTA) website on August 27 says that drivers having at least one year's experience with licences for running light vehicles will be allowed to apply for licences to drive medium range vehicles till December 31. Besides, drivers having licences for running medium range vehicles with a single-year experience will be allowed to apply for driving licences for heavy vehicles till the end of this year.

Such a decision sounds a risky move as it will allow many drivers to switch from medium vehicles to heavy vehicles like trucks, lorries, buses, and others putting road safety in jeopardy. Because, these are vehicles that run on the busy highways and also on the main roads in cities.

If the drivers of medium range vehicles are allowed to run heavy vehicles, the risks of accidents on the highways and city roads may increase further. It is unfortunate that the directive comes a few weeks after a countrywide movement by school and college students who came out on the streets demanding safer roads.

While speaking to several media, safety experts termed the move illogical.

Let's hope, the government reconsiders the directive.

Akibul Javed

Indira Road, Dhaka