Road accidents, injuries leading causes of child deaths
They said of all the child fatalities of road accidents nearly 82 percent are pedestrians.
The discussion was organised by Accident Research Centre (ARC) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) on the occasion of 'Road Safety Day-2005' at its premises in the city.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. This year the theme of the day was 'Promote Pedestrians' Safety.'
The speakers said as reported to police, more than 4000 deaths occur on the roads each year and another 10,000 sustain disabling injuries. But actual number of deaths and injuries are much higher, they added.
Presenting a keynote paper Prof Md Mazharul Hoque, director of Accident Research Centre and head of civil engineering department of Buet, said trucks and buses are largely involved in accidents with the pedestrians.
He said the pedestrians become vulnerable to accidents when speeds are high and can suffer even fatal injuries by vehicles with moderate speed.
Speaking as chief guest Communications Minister Nazmul Huda stressed the need for integrated efforts to reduce road accidents.
He said realising the importance of combating the road safety problems, the government took the decision to observe October 22 as 'Road Safety Day'.
Speaking as special guest Communications Secretary Md Shafiqul Islam termed the BRTA a sick organisation.
He said if it worked properly there would be no defective motorised vehicle on the roads.
Eminent film actor and Chairman of Nirapod Sarak Chai Ilias Kanchan stressed the need for expanding the highways and making the footpaths free from the encroachers for safe movement of the pedestrians.
Co-ordinator of the Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysis Valerie A Taylor, BRTA Chairman Dr MA Momen and NRSC member Prof M Anwar Hossain also spoke.
Buet Vice-chancellor Prof Alee Murtaza presided over the discussion.