Minimising driver fatigue

The Daily Star reported that at least 311 people were killed and 862 were injured on highways during Eid journeys this year. The Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, in a briefing, mentioned poor road conditions, speeding, over-taking and unskilled drivers as the main reasons. 

But they missed one crucial cause.  Previously, a bus going from Dhaka to Panchagarh would start at 8:30 am and reach Panchagarh by 5 pm. Nowadays, the bus does not reach its destination before midnight due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion. The same driver starts the return journey at 7:30 am without proper rest. He dozes off while driving, causing accidents. Sometimes he asks an inexperienced helper to drive while he catches some sleep. 

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has strict rules for minimum rest hours for cockpit and cabin crews. I would say bus and truck drivers have a much more difficult job, so the BRTA should make rules to ensure drivers' rest to minimise highway accidents. 

SA Reza Hussain
Former Manager, British Airways