Every day, newspapers and TV broadcasts are filled with news of accidents occurring on roads and highways. The pressing question remains: How many more highway fatalities will it take for us to assume responsibility and take action? Though the annual toll of road accidents during the two Eids is alarming, with the death count steadily rising each year, yet little has been to address it.
The mounting fatalities from road accidents in our country is paralleled by a significant number of individuals injured or left permanently disabled. These accidents are predominantly caused by the negligence and illegal actions of drivers. Additionally, a competitive mindset among drivers contributes to the frequency of accidents. Speeding and ignorance of road rules help the occurrence of accidents to continue. The scientific maxim, "The higher the speed, the higher the likelihood of accidents", explains it all.
Many roads and highways in our country have sharp bends that pose challenges to vehicle control, particularly at high speeds. Furthermore, issues such as poor road construction, the use of substandard bitumen, and uneven surfacing contribute to accidents, often resulting in tire-bursts. Dividers and U-turns on roads are also potential sources of accident if drivers are careless.
A significant number of vehicles in the country are unregistered, some of which are old and unfit for road use. After accidents occur, it is often revealed that the vehicle was not roadworthy, the driver had no license, or the vehicle was illegal, resulting in loss of life and property.
Most victims of road accidents are breadwinners, and a single accident can devastate a family's future, leading to financial loss, injuries, and disabilities. To mitigate road accidents, the government must take effective measures, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, particularly regarding vehicle speed. Illegal and unfit vehicles must be banned outright, and accident-prone areas should be identified for targeted interventions.
There is a pressing need to raise the educational qualifications required for drivers, making at least a secondary school certificate (SSC) mandatory. Driving should be treated as a profession, with drivers wearing distinct uniforms and receiving specialized accident prevention training. Additionally, comprehensive awareness campaigns targeting individuals at all levels of society are crucial to reducing accidents on roads and highways. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to make significant strides in accident prevention.
Nowrin Akther, Student
East West University , Dhaka
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