Death on wheels

It is a common sight to see trucks plying on the roads and highways in the country with rods that protrude dangerously out of the backs of these vehicles, as shown in a picture printed in our paper on November 16. It is natural for some of these objects to come lose and become flying projectiles and kill or maim people who happen to be travelling behind. Although no exact data of such casualties exist in the country, the practice poses a clear and present danger. The scenario is not unique to Bangladesh. In fact, the Indian Supreme Court in August 2016 has called for strict implementation of a ban on killer trucks with iron rods protruding out which has taken 40,000 lives in road accidents in the past two years.

We need similar laws in the country that would make owners of transport companies liable for mishaps. Without regulations, the roads and highways department (RHD) cannot enforce any ban on this despicable practice that is causing physical harm to people and property. Strict guidelines need to be formulated and implemented that will govern the safe transportation of potentially lethal cargo such as iron rods on our roads. If owners of trucking companies and those hiring trucks faced the threat of civil and criminal proceedings because laws were enacted to that effect, the careless attitude of transporting haphazard material would be rethought and public safety could be ensured to a greater degree. But even if there were no such law specific to this problem, the police can and should take action against anyone who endangers public safety.