It is unfortunate how the Eid holidays in Bangladesh have once again highlighted the pressing issue of road safety in the country; according to a report by Dhaka Tribune, road crashes claimed the lives of 34 individuals during this period.
To say that there is an urgent need for enhanced safety measures would be an understatement, but with this spike in deaths during holidays becoming a most undesirable norm, safety measures are particularly salient during major holidays.
Bangladesh has long been struggling with a high rate of road traffic accidents, with holidays often exacerbating the situation. Factors such as reckless driving, inadequate road infrastructure, and lax enforcement of traffic laws have further compounded the risks faced by commuters as well as pedestrians during these times.
Immediate action is the need of the hour, from both the government and the public. It starts with the government truly prioritizing road safety. Investing in better infrastructure is the logical first step, including the expansion and improvement of road networks. Too often, it is our inadequate roads and highways that cause the issues.
With that said, arguably the worst offense continues to be the presence of unfit vehicles on the road combined with unfit drivers, those without licenses and proper training. It is mind boggling how, despite repeated calls to address and fix the issue, this continues to not only persist but arguably worsen with time. Stricter enforcement of traffic laws and harsh penalties for offenders are essential to deter reckless driving behaviours, and it is disheartening how we fail to ensure this time and time again.
The recent spate of road crashes during the Eid holidays serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in Bangladesh. There can be no Smart Bangladesh if our people keep dying on the roads.
