Improving Road Safety
in the OIC Member States
95
in Faridpur Medical College Hospital from January through June 2011 9, revealed that 56 (12%)
of all patients admitted to the hospital during this period, were accident patients caused by
nasimon and karimon. Most patients (73%) were male; the highest accidents (86%) were
observed among 21-30 years age group and most victims (59%) belonged to the low socio-
economic status. Most victims (55%) were passengers whilst most accidents (82%) took place
in urban areas and on the highways.
Lack of vehicle inspections by the police and national standards admitting vehicles to roads
contribute to the presence of non-standard and unsafe vehicles. Currently, standards do not
provide for frontal impacts, electronic stability control and pedestrian protection (World Health
Organisation, 2015). Given the low enforcement levels, roadworthiness of vehicles is also a
problem. The most common defects of vehicles in Bangladesh appear to be worn out tires, loose
wheels, overloaded axle and faulty brakes. While many vehicles are not roadworthy in
Bangladesh, only 10% of the road accidents is attributed to vehicle defects (Mazharul Hogue,
2014).
Buses and trucks are highly represented in crash statistics, causing around 40% of the total
accidents of buses and trucks and have a fatality rating of 35% (Abdul Hamid, 2013). Many
pedestrians and light vehicles crashes are likely to be caused by crashes with larger (goods)
vehicles which are not fitted with so called ‘blind spot mirrors’ (Abdul Hamid, 2013).
9.6 Road Users
As stated above, not only vehicle drivers are involved in road crashes but also significant
numbers of pedestrians. Reported crash statistics show that in 2010, 47% of road crashes and
49% of all fatalities involved pedestrians, the majority in urban areas. To improve pedestrian
safety physically separated spaces for pedestrians both in urban and rural areas are required to
decrease the number of road accidents (Abdul Hamid, 2013).
Human error by road users is claimed to contribute to an estimated 90% of road accidents and
consequently a large road safety awareness program should be implemented, according to the
BRTA. It should be noted that safety awareness and training is taking place in Bangladesh, for
example targeted at professionals, transport workers, students, and local people through
community policing (as mentioned above). Given the size of the problem, the awareness raising
effort needs to be increased.
Nationwide road crash statistics in Bangladesh reveal a serious threat to children and child
involvement in road accident fatalities in Bangladesh. This was found to be very high with 22%
of the traffic fatalities involving children under the age of 15 years. Also here dedicated
awareness activities are needed, including formal education in primary level schools.
9 Road Traffic Accidents by 'Nasimon' and 'Karimon'-A Study in Faridpur, 2012.