It is good to note that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered authorities concerned to prevent irregularities in issuing driving licenses and introduce dope testing for drivers as part of road safety campaign in the country. While addressing a discussion marking the National Road Safety Day-2020, the premier called upon all to use underpasses, overbridges and zebra crossings to cross the roads to help reduce road mishaps.
Almost every day we are bombarded with reports of horrendous road accidents, deaths and injuries. Every time the gravity of road safety issues gets intensified when any student dies of road accident. After every incident of road crash we hear pledges from the BRTA and other transport authorities. But all fade away with the passage of time, which is why the procession of deaths on the roads never stops.
When the authorities concerned cannot maintain integrity
in terms of giving certificates to drivers and vehicles, it is
not pragmatic to expect those drivers who buy licence
through unfair means will maintain discipline on the roads
Transportation experts blame unfit vehicles, unskilled drivers and reckless driving as the core reasons behind the staggering number of road accidents. It is saddening to note that a number of errant BRTA officials provide licences to the unskilled drivers and fitness certificates to the unfit vehicles without taking any test. Thus, some unscrupulous BRTA officials are opening up opportunities for unfit vehicles and unskilled drivers to take hold of the city roads and highways to fuel traffic chaos.
As long as this unholy practice is not stopped, the grisly procession of deaths on the roads would continue unabated. When the authorities concerned cannot maintain integrity in terms of giving certificates to drivers and vehicles, it is not pragmatic to expect those drivers who buy licences through unfair means will maintain discipline on the roads.
Too many lives are being lost on our roads every day, and it’s time the government put all-out efforts to bring some order on the road. It is high time that authorities take stern actions against reckless driving. Also unskilled drivers of vehicles, most often not having a legal licence, should be identified and punished. In order to ensure road safety for all, the design and quality of the roads and highways must be improved; unfit vehicles should not be allowed on the roads and there should be mass awareness on traffic rules.