Youths propose 9 solutions against road crashes

Staff Reporter :

The number of road accidents and casualties across the country rises significantly during major festive holidays such as Eid.

However, despite repeated concerns, road fatalities remain difficult to prevent. According to experts, the primary reason for this is the lack of appropriate road safety laws and their effective implementation.

In response to this issue, the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing presented their recommendations at a discussion meeting organised at the Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health Sector in Shyamoli on Tuesday afternoon.

During the event, Marzana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, emphasised the urgency of addressing this crisis and outlined nine key recommendations proposed by young people to minimise road crashes during Eid and beyond.
They are speed management – excessive speed is a leading cause of road accidents.

A safe speed limit should be determined based on the condition of roads and vehicles in the country. A speed management guideline must be developed and enforced promptly, particularly during Eid travel, helmet use – both motorcycle riders and passengers must be required to wear standard-quality helmets. An enforcement guideline should be established and implemented without delay, vehicle fitness – unfit vehicles must be strictly prohibited from operating on roads, driver fatigue – working hours for drivers should be regulated to ensure they receive adequate rest during Eid journeys. Fatigued drivers pose a significant risk to passengers and other road users, unsafe vehicles – vehicles such as Nasimon, Karimon, tempo, battery-operated rickshaws, and locally modified transports like Votvoti should be restricted from using major roads and highways during Eid travel to prevent accidents, alcohol and substance control – strict surveillance must be enforced to prevent drivers from consuming alcohol or intoxicating substances while driving, with laws implemented rigorously and seatbelt use – all passengers, including drivers, should be required to wear seatbelts.