Roads have become daily killers

The frightening image of the body of a demolished truck – the result of a head on collision with another truck- in yesterday's paper, invokes the horror of brutal, untimely deaths that we must witness every single day because of road accidents. Despite all the news reports, seminars, TV coverage and analysis of why these horrific accidents happen and how they can be prevented, the statistics continue to be devastating. According to WHO estimates, around 20,000 people are killed in road crashes in Bangladesh every year. One can only imagine the number of people who survive but have been maimed for life. Yesterday seven people died in the head on collision on the Dhaka-Bogra highway in Sherpur. 

But this tragic story plays itself over and over again every single day. People of every age, background and gender; have lost their lives unnecessarily because of pure negligence.

We know the various factors behind such a huge casualty figure – reckless driving due to drinking, sleep deprivation because of too many trips made, helpers being behind the wheel instead of the drivers, bad roads, unfit, ramshackle buses, failing breaks, speeding, irresponsible pedestrians crossing the road, to name a few. What we don't know is why the Roads and Highways authorities have done precious little in the way of stopping such practices that lead to families being destroyed and individuals with bright futures who could have contributed to this country's progress, are eliminated. What do the highway patrol do to prevent accidents or even respond to them when they occur? Why do reckless drivers manage to escape? Why are bus owners not held legally accountable when their drivers kill? Why is there no comprehensive compensation system for the victims and their families? Unless these issues are addressed, we will continue to lose precious lives that have devastating socio-economic repercussions for Bangladesh.