Reckless driving and violation of traffic rules on the roads and highways across the country is proving quite difficult for authorities. The government has already undertaken and implemented various measures which have not achieved the desired effect.
Countless lives are lost each day to road accidents which can be avoided by following rules and taking precautions while on the roads.
Law enforcement agencies are unable to rein in the reckless drivers, especially when they drive at night on empty roads and highways.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself issued five directives to bring safety to the roads. Among the directives two are under consideration, while the rest three are also to be established if the concerned authority takes measures.
Every year more than 7000 people die on roads and around 17000 people are injured. The main causes for traffic accidents are careless driving, unskilled drivers, faulty vehicles, faulty roads and traffic mismanagement.
Countless lives are lost each day
to road accidents which can be avoided
by following rules and taking
precautions while on the roads
Since the road safety protests over a year ago, thousands of volunteer groups, teachers, students and people as well as the government, private organizations and different socio-cultural organizations have raised their voice in protest against reckless driving. These efforts have fallen on deaf ears as drivers are becoming careless day by day. Buses and trucks on highways do not pay heed to the highway police when they are told to reduce their speed.
The country also suffers an economic loss of about Tk 380 billion each year because of road accidents. Road accidents are a big impediment for the country in terms of reaching our development potential.
It is high time that the government takes a strong stance to ensure road safety. Those who are responsible for reckless driving must be brought to justice. These individuals should be given the harshest penalties so that in the future people think twice before violating traffic rules.
