4,439 killed in road crashes in 2018

“Increasing number of unskilled drivers of CNG auto-rickshaws and other three-wheelers largely contributed to the rising number of road fatalities”

At least 4,439 people were killed and 7,425 injured in 3,103 road accidents across Bangladesh in 2018, according to a report of Nirapad Sharak Chai (Nischa) released yesterday.

Nischa, an organisation founded by film star Ilias Kanchan to raise awareness against road accidents, presented its annual report at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

Nischa prepared its report based on news published in national newspapers. According to the report, Dhaka district saw its highest number of road accidents, 339, in 2018. The resulting death toll stood at 346 people.

The reprot says the number of road accidents, especially in the capital, increased due to a rise in the number of motorcycles plying the streets.

Motorcyclists constitute about 27 per cent of the road accident casualties.

Ilias Kanchan, chairman of Nischa, said a growing number of unskilled drivers of CNG auto-rickshaws, easy bikes and other three-wheelers also contributed to the increasing number of crashes. He urged the authorities to have stricter regulations for those vehicles.

Regarding the Road Transport Act 2018, Kanchan said had the authorities implemented the rules properly, there would have been greater discipline  on the roads. “We hope that the government will update the law over time to fit the needs of the country and the people,” he added.

Kanchan alleged that the government was reluctant to take initiatives to reduce road accidents, though road fatalities were rising at an alarming rate in the country. “Many countries are successfully reducing road fatalities by enforcing road safety measures, but our government is lukewarm about that,” he said.

Citing a UN report, Kanchan said a 5 per cent cut in the vehicle speed can help reduce road crashes by 30 per cent. Developed countries like the US, Switzerland and Australia have been able to reduce road traffic deaths to a tolerable level, he added.

The speakers at the meeting recommended that steps should be taken to include road safety issues to the school curriculum, political commitments should be made by politicians in their election manifestos to prevent road accidents, law enforcement agencies should take strict measures against law-breakers, and a government driving and mechanical institute should be set up in every district for youths to become skilled drivers.

They also suggested that standard road dividers be set up on highways, the word security be included in the Road Transport Act, regular road safety audits and campaigns be conducted, footpaths be freed from illegal occupation, and overpasses and underpasses be constructed on national and regional highways for pedestrians.

MK/MK

4,439 killed in road crashes in 2018

“Increasing number of unskilled drivers of CNG auto-rickshaws and other three-wheelers largely contributed to the rising number of road fatalities”

At least 4,439 people were killed and 7,425 injured in 3,103 road accidents across Bangladesh in 2018, according to a report of Nirapad Sharak Chai (Nischa) released yesterday. Nischa, an organisation founded by film star Ilias Kanchan to raise awareness against road accidents, presented its annual report at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). Nischa prepared its report based on news published in national newspapers. According to the report, Dhaka district saw its highest number of road accidents, 339, in 2018. The resulting death toll stood at 346 people. The reprot says the number of road accidents, especially in the capital, increased due to a rise in the number of motorcycles plying the streets. Motorcyclists constitute about 27 per cent of the road accident casualties. Ilias Kanchan, chairman of Nischa, said a growing number of unskilled drivers of CNG auto-rickshaws, easy bikes and other three-wheelers also contributed to the increasing number of crashes. He urged the authorities to have stricter regulations for those vehicles. Regarding the Road Transport Act 2018, Kanchan said had the authorities implemented the rules properly, there would have been greater discipline on the roads. We hope that the government will update the law over time to fit the needs of the country and the people, he added. Kanchan alleged that the government was reluctant to take initiatives to reduce road accidents, though road fatalities were rising at an alarming rate in the country. Many countries are successfully reducing road fatalities by enforcing road safety measures, but our government is lukewarm about that, he said. Citing a UN report, Kanchan said a 5 per cent cut in the vehicle speed can help reduce road crashes by 30 per cent. Developed countries like the US, Switzerland and Australia have been able to reduce road traffic deaths to a tolerable level, he added. The speakers at the meeting recommended that steps should be taken to include road safety issues to the school curriculum, political commitments should be made by politicians in their election manifestos to prevent road accidents, law enforcement agencies should take strict measures against law-breakers, and a government driving and mechanical institute should be set up in every district for youths to become skilled drivers. They also suggested that standard road dividers be set up on highways, the word security be included in the Road Transport Act, regular road safety audits and campaigns be conducted, footpaths be freed from illegal occupation, and overpasses and underpasses be constructed on national and regional highways for pedestrians. MK/MK