Ahsania Mission raises seven recommendations to strengthen road safety

Dhaka Ahsania Mission has raised seven recommendations to the government through media to ensure that all road users can reach their respective destinations safely, including in the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation.

Sharmeen Rahman, Project Coordinator of the organization raised this recommendation at a meeting on the role of journalists in strengthening road safety organized by the Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health Sector at Shyamoli, Dhaka on Wednesday.
The recommendations are: One of the leading causes of road crashes is the uncontrolled speed of vehicles. Formulation and implementation of speed management according to the type of road and transport is mandatory.

Formulating enforcement guidelines to ensure the use of standard helmets by both motorcyclists and riders is necessary.
Formulating guidelines regarding the use of seat belts for all passengers including the driver in motor vehicles highlighted.

Also, issuing regulations regarding the introduction of child restraint systems for children in motor vehicles (especially for cars/jeeps/microbuses) is needed.

Rules on not driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in RTA 2018 and RTR 2022 should be implemented, so that no road crash happens by driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

As there is confusion about road crash data, a central data storage system for collecting and disseminating accurate road crash data based on international best practices is recommended.

As road safety issues are absent in the current Road Transport Act 2018 therefore, formulation and implementation of a comprehensive road safety law based on the UN Safe System Approach.

Establish a National Road Safety Authority for effective coordination among the implementing and enforcement agencies to reduce road crashes and achieve related SDGs.

The meeting was presided over by Iqbal Masud, Director of Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health and Wash Sector. He said that according to the World Health Organization, 31,578 people die in road crashes in Bangladesh every year. The death toll is increasing day by day.

In Eid vacation or any festival time, the fatalities increase remarkably. He requested the government to implement the recommendations raised by the Dhaka Ahsania Mission.

Journalists including Advocacy Officer (Policy) Jerin Afroz, and Advocacy Officer (Communication) of Dhaka Ahsania Mission Road Safety Project Tarikul Islam were present at the meeting.

SR