Commuters, pedestrians equally responsible for road crashes: PM
The government is building waiting rooms for long-distance drivers alongside roads
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said passengers and pedestrians are equally responsible for road accidents in addition to drivers.
She said commuters and pedestrians do not use footbridges, underpasses and footpaths in the right way most of the time.
"Pedestrians' awareness besides drivers is very important in reducing road accidents," she said.
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The premier was addressing a discussion marking the National Road Safety Day at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital.
People are also not aware of traffic rules and regulations, she said.
"Besides, unfit vehicles, unhealthy competition between drivers on road, and lack of waiting rooms for long-haul drivers are also responsible for road accidents," the prime minister said.
She said the government is building waiting rooms for long-distance drivers alongside roads, and has planned to provide training for drivers in upazilas across the country.
"Livelihood not before life. No more road accident" is the slogan of this year's National Road Safety Day.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, who also spoke at the discussion, said, "We need to bring discipline in road and transportation system."
Addressing the programme, famed actor Ilias Kanchan said, "Drivers of all types of vehicles should be trained."
Ilias, also the founder and chairman of road safety movement Nirapad Sarak Chai, urged all to be responsible for their own betterment and reduce traffic accidents.
"We need an integrated communication system in the country," he said.
National Road Safety Day is being observed since 2017 to create awareness of road safety.
