The root causes of road accidents

The minister�s allegation is hardly the main or most formidable reason for road accidents. A new legislation--as was suggested in the dialogue-- will do little if all the main problems remain largely unaddressed

Road accidents that kill thousands of people in Bangladesh every year is one of  its serious national problems. This vital issue has triggered intense debates  at discussion meetings, seminars and symposiums. The speakers have come up with their views on how to minimize road accidents but the solution seems  elusive as the problems that are responsible for road mishaps are hydra-headed.
Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader at a policy dialogue on ‘Legislative Initiative to Promote Road Safety’ organized by BRAC  on Sunday,  said many of the lawmakers of the country often violate traffic rules and travel on the wrong side of the roads, especially in the capital.
But the  minister’s allegation is hardly the main or most formidable reason for road accidents. A  new legislation--as was suggested in the dialogue-- will do little if all the main problems  remain largely  unaddressed. There are many laws already in force in the country aimed to check road accidents  but forceful application of the same is hardly noticed . Some years ago a law was formulated declaring capital punishment for drivers responsible for accidents leading to deaths of passengers. But in the face of violent agitation by drivers and others concerned the law could not be passed and the errant drivers went scot-free.  
Experts have identified the prime causes leading to road accidents. If those are not addressed mere enactment of another law will not do. The pitiable conditions of roads and highways, widespread violation of traffic rules, rash driving by impertinent drivers are responsible for road mishaps. Many roads were constructed and reconstructed but those did not last long due to poor quality works and use of sub-standard materials. Dishonest contractors in collusion with the engineers of the relevant department gained from the deals, but conditions of the roads did not improve exposing the commuters to endless sufferings. Some roads have turned into almost death traps. Accidents on those roads are a regular feature.
There are over 144 accident-prone spots on highways across the country. Besides, there are many road bends where accidents occur frequently. Those problems should be addressed on a priority basis. The mindset of the people should be changed. An integrated effort should be made for minimizing road accidents. 

The root causes of road accidents

The minister�s allegation is hardly the main or most formidable reason for road accidents. A new legislation--as was suggested in the dialogue-- will do little if all the main problems remain largely unaddressed

Road accidents that kill thousands of people in Bangladesh every year is one of its serious national problems. This vital issue has triggered intense debates at discussion meetings, seminars and symposiums. The speakers have come up with their views on how to minimize road accidents but the solution seems elusive as the problems that are responsible for road mishaps are hydra-headed. Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader at a policy dialogue on Legislative Initiative to Promote Road Safety organized by BRAC on Sunday, said many of the lawmakers of the country often violate traffic rules and travel on the wrong side of the roads, especially in the capital. But the ministers allegation is hardly the main or most formidable reason for road accidents. A new legislation--as was suggested in the dialogue-- will do little if all the main problems remain largely unaddressed. There are many laws already in force in the country aimed to check road accidents but forceful application of the same is hardly noticed . Some years ago a law was formulated declaring capital punishment for drivers responsible for accidents leading to deaths of passengers. But in the face of violent agitation by drivers and others concerned the law could not be passed and the errant drivers went scot-free. Experts have identified the prime causes leading to road accidents. If those are not addressed mere enactment of another law will not do. The pitiable conditions of roads and highways, widespread violation of traffic rules, rash driving by impertinent drivers are responsible for road mishaps. Many roads were constructed and reconstructed but those did not last long due to poor quality works and use of sub-standard materials. Dishonest contractors in collusion with the engineers of the relevant department gained from the deals, but conditions of the roads did not improve exposing the commuters to endless sufferings. Some roads have turned into almost death traps. Accidents on those roads are a regular feature. There are over 144 accident-prone spots on highways across the country. Besides, there are many road bends where accidents occur frequently. Those problems should be addressed on a priority basis. The mindset of the people should be changed. An integrated effort should be made for minimizing road accidents.