Nearly 300 families wiped out in road accidents over six years and ten months is a devastating reflection of the state of road safety in Bangladesh -- figures that represent hundreds of lives lost, children left without parents, parents who have lost their children, and families whose lives have been permanently changed.
According to a recent analysis by the Road Safety Foundation, accidents involving motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, microbuses, private cars, and other vehicles have increasingly resulted in multiple members of the same family being killed together. The findings point to a number of persistent problems, including reckless driving, unfit vehicles, inadequate driver training, and widespread disregard for traffic laws.
These are not new concerns. Yet, despite repeated reports, road accidents continue to claim lives at an alarming rate.
We cannot keep treating these deaths as inevitable consequences of travelling on our roads. Most of the contributing factors are preventable, and that makes the continued loss of life even more unacceptable.
The authorities must take a more comprehensive approach to road safety. Vehicle fitness certification must be strictly enforced, particularly for microbuses and ambulances. Drivers must receive proper training, and those who operate vehicles for excessively long hours without adequate rest must be held accountable. The movement of battery-run rickshaws on highways also requires urgent attention.
At the same time, safer road designs, proper dividers, service roads, and better monitoring are essential. Traffic laws must be enforced consistently, regardless of who is behind the wheel. Public awareness campaigns should also emphasize responsible driving and the importance of quality helmets for both motorcyclists and passengers.
Ultimately, road safety must become a national priority rather than a recurring discussion after every major accident.
Every journey should not carry the possibility of an entire family being lost. The government must act with urgency, strengthen accountability, and ensure that our roads become safer for everyone.