The rate of road accidents in the country is increasing daily, with roads claiming countless lives. Every day, as one turns on the TV or flips through the newspaper, reports of numerous road accidents dominate the headlines. Despite laws and various restrictions aimed at preventing accidents, these measures seem insufficient to curb the rising toll.
Between January and March of this year, 1,367 people were killed, and 1,778 were injured in 1,464 road accidents. In the first three months of 2023, there were 1,017 accidents, resulting in 1,051 deaths and 1,440 injuries. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) began publishing its first report on road accident data in January last year. According to the BRTA report, 231 people were killed and 283 injured in 214 road accidents last August. Clearly, road accidents and fatalities are on the rise. But why are they increasing?
Studies have shown that 90 per cent of these accidents are due to speeding and the careless attitudes of drivers. Additionally, unfit vehicles, improper use of vehicles, ignoring regulations, and allowing unskilled drivers and helpers to operate vehicles contribute significantly to the rising death toll on the road. Drivers often drive while fatigued, losing control of their vehicles and causing accidents.
The tendency of drivers to overtake recklessly is another major cause. As a result, hundreds of people are dying silently on the roads. Who is responsible for these deaths? How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?
We must put an end to these fatalities. Order must be restored on the roads. Seat belts should be mandatory, and drivers must remain focused on safe driving. A moment of carelessness can lead to tragic consequences. Incompetent drivers should not be allowed on the roads, as they are responsible for many accidents.
Sudden acceleration or deceleration of vehicles often results in severe accidents, so speed must be controlled. Many drivers engage in dangerous overtaking, which is a leading cause of road accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major factor in bus accidents in the country, and it must be stopped immediately.
The lack of enforcement of the Road Transport Act is a key reason for the rise in accidents. However, accidents also occur due to the carelessness and ignorance of the public. It is not enough to simply enforce laws; citizens, authorities, drivers, workers, and passengers must all be vigilant and aware. We must remember that life is far more valuable than time.
Sakibul Hasan
Department of Sociology
Dhaka College
[email protected]
