Road accidents are a leading cause of premature death. A perfectly healthy person may suddenly lose her/his life due to a catastrophic event on a road or highway. A head-on collision between vehicles, a pedestrian being struck by a car, a collision with roadside objects, or losing control and plunging into a ditch are all considered road accidents. Such incidents profoundly impact individuals, families, communities, and the economy. In Bangladesh, road accidents are alarmingly frequent.
Bangladesh, a rapidly growing nation, faces a significant risk from road accidents, which also hinder economic growth. Traffic accidents have become a common headline in newspapers. Every day, 22 road accidents occur in Bangladesh, adding up to around 7,500 annually. Each year, traffic accidents claim 24,000 lives, while approximately 65 people are injured daily. The main causes of accidents include reckless driving, speeding, driver fatigue, risky overtaking, defective vehicles, poor pedestrian awareness, and adverse weather conditions.
Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive strategy. Measures could include stricter vehicle inspections, mandatory driver training, improving traffic management, advanced traffic signals, technology-driven safety innovations, and public awareness campaigns. Enforcement of road safety laws is also crucial.
Road accidents have become a national epidemic, claiming countless lives under the guise of "development." While it may be impossible to eliminate accidents entirely, their frequency and severity can be reduced. Beyond planning, the government must prioritise sustainable infrastructure and effective traffic management to save lives.
Shetu Khanam
Department of Public Administration
Islamic University, Kushtia
arifasetu1727@gmail.com
