Kamrul Alam :
Every day, we witness numerous accidents, including drowning at seashores, road accidents across the country, boat accidents – especially during the monsoon season – fires in markets, slums, and households. Road Accidents, Drowning at Seashores, Fire Incidents, Boat Accidents, and Child Drowning are the worst hazards to mention frequently by almost all. Many of these accidents and their devastating impacts could be significantly reduced by taking appropriate precautionary measures.
Road Accidents
According to a report by the Road Safety Foundation, Bangladesh recorded 7,294 deaths and 12,019 injuries from 6,927 road accidents in 2024. The highest number of accidents and fatalities occurred in the Dhaka division, where 1,582 accidents resulted in 1,840 deaths.
The main causes of road accidents include:
· Unskilled drivers
· Over speeding
· Violation of traffic rules
· Vehicles without proper fitness certification
Measures to Prevent/Reduce Road Accidents:
· Installing speed control devices at regular intervals on all highways in the country
· Strengthening law enforcement to prevent unfit vehicles from operating
· Conducting awareness programs and training for all drivers on safe driving, traffic laws, and personal safety
· Orientation of motorcycle drivers on importance of helmet while driving
These measures will significantly reduce road accidents and save lives.
Accidents at Seashores
Every year, many tourists suffer accidents at beaches, particularly while swimming or bathing in the sea. Excitement, lack of self-control, and strong waves often lead to drowning incidents, sometimes resulting in tragic deaths.
In some countries, safety nets are installed at a certain distance from the shore to prevent swimmers from being pulled away by strong waves. This has proven effective in protecting beachgoers.
Measures to Prevent/Reduce Seashore Accidents:
· Ensuring the availability of lifeguards at beaches
· Installing safety nets at appropriate distances from the shore
· Regularly warn people not to go to the water during low tide.
Implementing these measures will help protect lives and reduce drowning incidents.
Fire Incidents
According to a press release by the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), Bangladesh experienced an average of 73 fire incidents per day in 2024. We can prevent /control some of the incidents through undertaking some measures The most common causes of fire incidents were:
· Electrical short circuits
· Burning cigarette butts
· Stoves
· Children playing with fire
· Hot ashes, gas leaks, and explosions
Fires caused property damage worth approximately Tk 447 crore, while the fire service managed to save property worth Tk 1,974 crore.
Measures to Prevent/Reduce Fire Incidents:
· Orient the people on the main causes of fire incidents
· Installing street hydrants near main roads, markets, and high-risk areas to ensure quick water access
· Encouraging households to keep fire extinguishers at household level
· Training volunteers on fire safety and firefighting techniques
· Raising awareness among people about precautionary measure to control/prevent fire incidents
By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce fire-related casualties and property damage.
Water Transport Accidents
Many accidents occur every year due to use of unsafe water transport and many people die due to the accidents. The accidents include the sinking of launches, engine boats, and country boats. The primary causes include:
· Unfit and overloaded vessels
· Lack of skilled boat operators
· Unsafe operations, especially during monsoons and cyclones
· No provision of life jackets on the transpprts/vessels
Measures to Prevent/Reduce Water Transport Accidents:
· Ensuring fitness certification for all water transport
· Providing proper training for launch and boat operators
· Mandatory life jackets for all passengers on launches and boats
· Ensure availability of life jackets in the vessels
Enforcing these measures will significantly reduce water transport accidents and improve passenger safety.
Drowning of Children
Drowning is a major public health concern and the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide. In Bangladesh, it is a particularly serious issue:
· Each year, over 14,000 children die due to drowning.
· Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children under five.
· Children in rural areas near water bodies (canals, rivers, and ponds) are at high risk.
The monsoon season sees the highest number of child drowning incidents. A lack of awareness and swimming skills contributes significantly to these tragedies.
Measures to Prevent/Reduce Child Drowning:
· Raising awareness among families and communities
· Providing swimming lessons and safety training for children and adolescents
· Establishing child care facilities for pre-school children
· Fencing ponds and canals to prevent accidental falls
It is important to note that in 2021, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day to highlight drowning as a leading cause of death and emphasize that every drowning death is preventable.
Accidents – whether on roads, at seashores, due to fires, in water transport, or drawing of children – are preventable. By implementing proper safety measures, raising awareness, and enforcing regulations, we can save thousands of lives every year. Collaboration between government authorities, communities, and individuals is crucial to making our environment safer for everyone.
(The writer is a social activist).
