Roads and highways in pitiable conditions
There is no alternative
to improving road
safety for commuters in the greater
national interest
It is quite disturbing to note that the users of roads and highways in the country have to pay taxes in many ways and stages but in return they are not getting assurance of safe and smooth movement on those. There is hardly any place in the country where conditions of roads and highways are good. Due to low quality construction works and absence of renovation the roads and highways remain unfit for movement of vehicles almost round the year. Hazardous roads and highways have been identified as one of the reasons for road accidents.
According to a report in this newspaper on Sunday, the 60-km-long highway that is responsible for maintaining communication between the capital city and Tangail has turned into a death trap for commuters. According to local people the pitiable condition of the highway is due to use of sub-standard materials in constructing it. It is extremely worrying to note that road traffic accidents are showing no sign of abetting in the country. More than 200 people were killed in road crashes all over the country before and after the last Eid-ul-Azha.
Use of bricks and bitumen instead of concrete is responsible for the deplorable conditions of the roads. This kind of renovation does not last long and the roads revert to the previous condition. Drivers are not mainly responsible for road accidents; many other factors are no less responsible. Some times drivers are asked by passengers to drive speedily. This often causes accidents. Besides, there are drivers without driving license.
The relevant authorities conduct fitness test of vehicles annually but do not care to examine the fitness of roads and drivers on a regular basis. Taking advantage of it scores of jobless youths undergo nominal training in driving from different organizations for a short duration and start driving vehicles. It is not difficult to get licenses as speed money helps the novice drivers. Since conditions of roads and highways are not good, these novice drivers play havoc with the lives of passengers. All these are occurring under the nose of the members of the law enforcement agencies, particularly the highway police.
There are not many trauma centres in the country where the road accident victims can be rushed for emergency treatment. The relevant authorities should set up adequate trauma centres. Besides, the highway police should be disciplined. Roads and highways should be constructed and repaired on a sustainable basis. There is no alternative to improving road safety for commuters in the greater national interest.
