Enforcing traffic laws to reduce accidents

I was distraught to know about the death of Rajib and Rozina who succumbed to their injuries inflicted by fatal road accidents. As road accidents have been mounting over the past few years, the number of victims is also rising. Both print and electronic media regularly cover stories of these gruesome incidents happening due to reckless driving by drivers in gross violation of traffic rules. Each of these accidents reminds us of the dire necessity of enforcing law and discipline on our roads.

Hardly a day goes by without a street accident taking place in some part of the country or other. Recently a report appeared in a local English daily that quoted a survey report of Passengers Welfare Association (PWA) wherein it was mentioned that at least 64 people die and 150 others get injured in road accidents across the country every day. Lives of people have become the cheapest commodity in the country and the authorities are least bothered. According to a news report based on the basis of news published in 22 national dailies, 10 regional newspapers and eight online news portals and agencies, at least 4,284 people including 516 women and 539 children were killed and 9,112 others injured in 3,472 road accidents across Bangladesh in 2017 alone. This gives us some idea about the gravity of the situation.

The authorities concerned should therefore rise to the occasion and ensure discipline among drivers so that accidents can be avoided. The authorities should remember that road safety is not a privilege, it is a right of the citizens.

Abul Khaer

Govt. Saadat College, Tangail

Department of Zoology

[email protected]