High traffic crashes undermine Bangladesh’s image

The high fatality and injury rates can undermine the progress Bangladesh has made in reducing poverty and boosting economic growth. Road safety has become a global crisis, and Bangladesh is no exception. Global development lender World Bank said the annual road crash deaths per capita in Bangladesh are twice the average rate for high-income countries.

More than 200 people are permanently disabled by road crashes every day, while around 70 per cent of all road crash victims are pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. Economic losses from inaction could be substantial — World Bank estimates that costs related to traffic crashes can be as high as 5 per cent of GDP. Most of the motorcycle road fatalities are youths aged between 26 and 30, thus economic losses from inaction is substantially high.

Standardised helmets can prevent head injuries by up to 44 per cent. But unfortunately, most helmets available in Bangladesh do not meet international standards when it comes to quality and protection. BSTI is now capable of testing standards of helmets.

Experts recommended raising education and awareness among stakeholders and enforcing the law properly. The Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary said the government is working to reduce 50 per cent of road crashes by 2030.