Fatalities from road accidents show no sign of any decline. The death of 3,608 people and injury to 7,786 in 2,926 motor vehicle accidents in the past 10 months certainly give an indication of the extent of unsafe journey on roads and highways of Bangladesh. The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) has come up with the figures in its regular monthly survey and observation. This means there is no chance of inflating the number of casualties. If anything, the casualty figures may only go up as the NCPSRR depends on media reports for collecting information on accidents. By any reckoning the fatalities on account of accidents are definitely on the high side. Although, the chart of traffic-related head counts per million per year globally puts some of its South Asian neighbours in worse position, Bangladesh has no reason to be complacent.
The important point is to see if the number of accidents is declining or not. This year about 12 people have died in road accidents every day on an average so far. Last year, according to the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (BPWA), saw a significant fall in road casualties but its figures do not tally with that of the NCPSRR. However, it seems the casualty figure was much higher in the year 2014. This year the pattern shows a rising trend compared to the last year. What contributes to higher road accidents and casualties should therefore be identified first. Sure enough, the number of vehicles is going up with every passing day and the pressure is on to have skilled driver at the driving wheel.
In a country where driving licences can be managed without going through the arduous process of training but in exchange for bribe money, the level of driving skill is not beyond doubt. Then comes the presence of locally assembled or made mechanised vehicles and three-wheelers used for carrying passengers and goods. Slow and lacking in manoeuvrability, these vehicles are potentially dangerous. Some of these locally called Naschimon are involved in most of the accidents. On the highway their movement could not be stopped or even limited. Next on the list of potential hazards is the old and ramshackle vehicles along with worn-out roads and dangerous turning points. Add to this the compulsion for driving without rest or relaxation for drivers on long routes, the picture leads to something ominous in the making.
Evidently, irregularities, indiscipline and anarchy reign supreme on the country's roads and highways. The moot point is to ensure respect for traffic rules and laws. Only educated and trained drivers can be expected to comply with a strict legal traffic regime. Overworked and ill-paid drivers are not expected to be sensitive enough to the sanctity of life because they get a raw deal from the system. First, they must be given the treatment they deserve. When they lead a decent life themselves, they will know how to take care of others' lives. A review of the transport business is in order.
