Speeding is not just breaking traffic rules—it's a major public health concern that claims thousands of lives every year. And in Bangladesh, road crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury.
Despite various efforts, the number of fatalities remains alarmingly high. This reality underscores the urgent need for effective speed management guidelines and comprehensive road safety laws to create safer streets for all.
Recent data from several reputable sources showcase a grim picture. In 2021 alone, different institutions reported the following numbers for road crash deaths in Bangladesh:
Police reports: 5,084 deaths (3 per 100,000 people); News-based reports: 6,284 deaths (3.7 per 100,000 people); World Health Organization (WHO) estimate: 31,578 deaths (19 per 100,000 people).
These numbers vary based on reporting mechanisms but consistently reflect a high fatality rate. For comparison, countries like Switzerland and Japan reported just 2 and 3 road crash deaths per 100,000 people, respectively.
Even regional neighbors such as India and Malaysia have lower rates than the WHO-estimated rate for Bangladesh.
To reduce road accidents in Bangladesh, several crucial steps need to be taken, said Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute (NHFHRI).
“Firstly, the “Motor Vehicle Speed Limit Directive 2024” must be implemented without delay to regulate speed effectively. Speed control is a key factor in preventing accidents, and enforcing appropriate speed limits across different types of roads and vehicles can significantly lower crash risks,” said the professor.
Speeding is a primary cause of road crashes and an aggravating factor in their severity. When vehicles travel at high speeds, the likelihood of a crash increases, and the consequences become more deadly. This reality is supported by data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), which shows a direct correlation between speed and road fatalities.
For example, in 2023, BRTA reported over 32,000 accidents and more than 5,000 fatalities—figures that remain stubbornly high despite enforcement and awareness efforts.
Why Speed Management Guidelines Matter
Effective speed management can significantly reduce both the number and severity of road accidents. An effective speed management guideline can cut collision risk as lower speeds give drivers more time to react to unexpected situations, reducing the likelihood of crashes.
Besides, the guideline also can minimize impact, even when crashes occur, lower speeds result in less severe injuries and fewer fatalities.
Further, clear guidelines help authorities enforce traffic laws more effectively and fairly.
The Legal Framework: Is It Enough?
While Bangladesh enacted the Road Transport Act 2018, critics argue that it falls short in many areas. It primarily focuses on regulation of vehicles and licensing but lacks comprehensive coverage of key behavioral risk factors.
A comprehensive Road Safety Act should be introduced that addresses all major risk factors, said professor Choudhury.
“At the core of this law should be the Safe System Approach — a globally recognized framework that focuses on building a road system that anticipates human error and minimizes the consequences of crashes”, he added.
Need for a Comprehensive Road Safety Law
The Global Road Safety Plan endorsed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 3.6 and 11.2—calls for a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths by 2030. For Bangladesh to meet this target, a Comprehensive Road Safety Law is urgently needed.
This proposed law should: Integrate speed management guidelines as a core component; be based on the Safe System Approach; set context-specific speed limits for urban, rural, and highway environments; define legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits; mandate the use of helmets for two- and three-wheeler riders; enforce seatbelt use for drivers and all passengers; include child safety provisions in vehicles.
Speed Management in Action: Global Examples
Bangladesh can draw lessons from international best practices. Countries like Sweden and Australia have successfully implemented speed management strategies as part of broader road safety reforms.
“This approach doesn't rely solely on driver behavior but emphasizes safer road design, safer vehicles, better post-crash response, and strict enforcement of traffic rules. Countries like Norway and the Netherlands have successfully reduced the number of road crashes, as well as related deaths and injuries, by adopting this model,” added Dr Sohel Reza, Head of Epidemiology and Research at the NHFHRI.
While road accidents might seem inevitable, they are, in fact, preventable. A shift in perspective—from blaming individual drivers to improving systems—is critical. Road crashes are not just accidents; they are failures in policy, infrastructure, enforcement, and education.
A robust speed management strategy, implemented under a comprehensive law, can significantly reduce road fatalities and injuries. This is not just a transportation issue—it’s a matter of public health, human rights, and sustainable development.
To address the growing road safety crisis in Bangladesh, it is highly important to draft and enact a Comprehensive Road Safety Law incorporating international best practices and the Safe System Approach.
Moreover, establishing a National Speed Management Guideline with context-sensitive limits can help reduce the street accidents. Enhancing the enforcement mechanisms, including use of speed cameras and digital monitoring, conducting nationwide awareness campaigns on the dangers of speeding, improve road infrastructure, including pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, and signage – are some of the recommendations from experts to save lives and ensure road safety in Bangladesh.
