Road

The first bridge over İstanbul’s Bosporus was the Boğaziçi Bridge, which was opened in 1973 by then-President Fahri Korutürk, while the FSM began operating in 1988 when Turgut Özal was prime minister. The Turkish government announced plans to construct a third bridge over the Bosphorus.The name of the future bridge has not been decided yet. The third bridge is expected to connect a highway starting in the Western province of Tekirdağ’s Kınalı with another highway starting from the Paşaköy neighborhood in İstanbul’s Asian side.

The minister said the government expects a sufficient amount of traffic to utilize the route once it is finalized. Experts expressed mixed feelings about the proposal of the Tarabya-Beykoz route, north of the two existing bridges .Some argued it would improve the area. Supporters of the new bridge also say it will make Turkey an important transportation corridor. They point to other highways that have crossed the three largest water reservoirs of Istanbul as evidence that mega infrastructure projects can be built safely(2009).

However others argued that a third bridge would threaten the natural resources of Istanbul and was not a real solution to the city’s traffic problem because it will encourage more people to use cars, increase Istanbul’s chronic traffic problem, the fumes of the traffic will pollute the forests and kill the natural life there and also damage social life and bring new economic problems.

The government argued about reducing the Istanbul’s traffic problems however there is a fact that it will create its own traffic.There are 3.3 million motor vehicles on road in the region that the North Marmara project covers.Land transportation shoulders 87 percent of İstanbul’s mass transportation burden.The government officals stated that the bridge would be essential for easing the city’s traffic congestion(2010).However all scientific stuides show that bridges increase the traffic load. It will create its own traffic potential.

The solution only may be developing public transportation on rails. This plan does not exist rail traffic. More cars will be sold and added to the existing load. The government claimed that third bridge will not damage the nature however many experts preotested the third bridge because after the construction many parts of forests won’t be existed anymore. Some of İstanbul’s prominent forestry areas are along the third bridge route.Belgrade Forest, Fatih Forest and the Polonezköy.

The project is expected to be finalized with little damage to these sites but destroying large parts of the Belgrade Forest, crossing the Bosporus at one if its picturesque locations, a huge waste of money for building a highway far from the city through uninhabited territory will be a murdery.It is clearly known that the third bridge would start a large-scale damage to forest lands on both sides of Istanbul, on the green lands of Kocaeli and Thrace Peninsulas.

All the forests in the North which serve as oxygen generating areas, as breathing lungs of the City will be under great danger due to the bridge and its connection roads construction. An area about as large as the Belgrade Forest would be damaged as a result of the third bridge construction activities, as it is stated by the authorities that the third bridge and its highways will be linked to the Black Sea Coastal Highway which has done great harm to the natural Black Sea Coastline(2008).

It is claimed that the bridge will contribute to the city economically however this means more unemployment and more homelessness.The government argue that this infrastructure project would create massive investment and jobs and tackle increasing unemployment rates(2010).The main aim of this 6-billion-dollar project is to channel money into the car, logistics and construction sectors. This money comes out of Istanbulites’ pockets and they will pay the cost in terms of reduced living standards.

The bottled water that they drink wil become more expensive, and the air they breathe more polluted. Bu they need both to live.Istanbul’s population is already five times of what this area can cope with. With a new bridge, the population will increase. This will mean more unemployment and more homelessness. “The introduction of the third bridge will be the death of Istanbul,” said Dr. Pr. Murat Cemal Yalçıntan of Mimar Sinan University in an interview(2010).

?Traffic congestion in many cities around the world is severe. One possible solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers and use this money to make public transport better. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a measure. One of the first benefits of such a measure is that the heavy taxes would discourage car owners from using their cars because it would become very expensive to drive. This would mean that they would begin to make use of public transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and pollution as well.

Another benefit would be that much more use would be made of public transport if it was improved. It is often the case that public transport in cities is very poor. For example, we often see old buses and trains that people would rather not use. High taxes would generate enough money to make the necessary changes. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. First and foremost, this would be a heavy burden on the car drivers.

At present, taxes are already high for a lot of people, and so further taxes would only mean less money at the end of the month for most people who may have no choice but to drive every day. In addition, this type of tax would likely be set at a fixed amount. This would mean that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst the rich could likely afford it. It is therefore not a fair tax. To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation, but there are advantages and disadvantages of introducing such a policy.

In modern life we have to face with many problems one of which is traffic congestion becoming more serious day after day. It is said that the high volume of vehicles, the inadequate infrastructure and the irrational distribution of the develpoment are main reasons for increasing traffic jam The major cause leading to traffic congestion is the high number of vehicle which was caused by the population and the development of economy. To solve this problem, the government should encourage people to use public transport or vehicles with small size such as bicycles or make tax on private vehicles.

Particularly, in some Asia countries such as Viet Nam, the local authorities passed law restricting to the number of vehicles for each family. The methods mentioned above is indeed effective in fact. That the inadequate infrastructure cannot handle the issue of traffic is also an crucial reason. The public transport such as bus, subway or train is not available and its quality is very bad, especially in the developing countries. Besides, the highway and road network is incapable of meeting the requirement of increasing number of vehicle.

Coping with these difficulties, the government should make an investment in the traffic facilties, namely, the publc transport need improving to become more modern and convenient. In addition, it is useful to build overpasses and more lanes in the streets. Apparently, the irrational distribution and the lack of conscience make the traffic worse and worse. The head offices, the univeristies or hospitals often locate in the centre of city attracting a heavy flow of people in rush hour.

To handle this situation, the government should allocate suitably , for instance some unviersity or office will be moved to the outskirt of city. It is necessary to encourage poeple obey the traffic rules which will make greatly change the problem of traffic. Finally, it’s high time we were aware of the disadvatages as well as the solutions to the traffic congestion. With great effort from each individualist and government, our society will be definitely cleaner and well i?? organized

Interstate 80, seen here in Berkeley, California, is a freeway with many lanes and heavy traffic. Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel. Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the road are both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.

Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, with marked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, traffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck); other vehicle (e.g., moped, bicycle); and pedestrian. Different classes may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on drivers’ common sense and willingness to cooperate. Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency.

Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include: road construction, collisions and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. A complete breakdown of organization may result in traffic congestion andgridlock. Simulations of organized traffic frequently involve queuing theory, stochastic processes and equations of mathematical physics applied totraffic flow. is taken from the Arabic word taraffaqa, which means to walk along slowly together.

Contents

1 Rules of the road
1.1 Directionality
1.2 Traffic regulations
2 Organized traffic
2.1 Priority (right of way)
2.1.1 Uncontrolled traffic
2.2 Turning
2.2.1 Intersections
2.2.2 Pedestrian crossings
2.3 Level crossings
2.4 Speed limits
2.5 Overtaking
2.5.1 Lanes
2.6 One-way roadways
2.6.1 High-speed roads
2.6.2 One-way streets
3 Congested traffic
3.1 Rush hour
4 Congestion mitigation
4.1 Rush hour policies
4.2 Pre-emption
4.3 Intelligent transportation systems
5 Future of congestion mitigation
6 See also
7 References
8 External links
9 Further reading
Rules of the road[edit]

Traffic controller in Chicago, Michigan Avenue

Traffic control in Rome, Italy. This traffic control podium can retract back to road level when not in use. Rules of the road and driving etiquette are the general practices and procedures that road users are required to follow. These rules usually apply to all road users, though they are of special importance to motorists and cyclists. These rules govern interactions between vehicles and with pedestrians. The basic traffic rules are defined by aninternational treaty under the authority of the United Nations, the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

Not all countries are signatory to the convention and, even among signatories, local variations in practice may be found. There are also unwritten local rules of the road, which are generally understood by local drivers. As a general rule, drivers are expected to avoid a collision with another vehicle and pedestrians, regardless of whether or not the applicable rules of the road allow them to be where they happen to be.

In addition to the rules applicable by default, traffic signs and traffic lights must be obeyed, and instructions may be given by a police officer, either routinely (on a busy crossing instead of traffic lights) or as road traffic control around a construction zone, accident, or other road disruption. These rules should be distinguished from the mechanical procedures required to operate one’s vehicle. Seedriving. Directionality

Main articles: Bidirectional traffic and right- and left-hand traffic Traffic going in opposite directions should be separated in such a way that they do not block each other’s way. The most basic rule is whether to use the left or right side of the road. Traffic regulations

See also: Category:Rules of the road

In many countries, the rules of the road are codified, setting out the legal requirements and punishments for breaking them. In the United Kingdom, the rules are set out in the Highway Code, which includes obligations but also advice on how to drive sensibly and safely. In the United States, traffic laws are regulated by the states and municipalities through their respective traffic codes. Most of these are based at least in part on the Uniform Vehicle Code, but there are variations from state to state. In states such as Florida, traffic law and criminal law are separate, therefore, unless someone flees a scene of an accident, commits vehicular homicide or manslaughter, they are only guilty of a minor traffic offense. However, states such as South Carolina have completely criminalized their traffic law, so, for example, you are guilty of a misdemeanor simply for travelling 5 miles over the speed limit.

Organized traffic

Priority (right of way)[edit]
See also: Right-of-way (disambiguation)
Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other’s routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called “right of way”, or “priority”. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. Signs, signals, markings and other features are often used to make priority explicit. Some signs, such as the stop sign, are nearly universal.

When there are no signs or markings, different rules are observed depending on the location. These default priority rules differ between countries, and may even vary within countries. Trends toward uniformity are exemplified at an international level by the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which prescribes standardized traffic control devices (signs, signals, and markings) for establishing the right of way where necessary. Crosswalks (or pedestrian crossings) are common in populated areas, and may indicate that pedestrians have priority over vehicular traffic. In most modern cities, the traffic signal is used to establish the right of way on the busy roads.

Its primary purpose is to give each road a duration of time in which its traffic may use the intersection in an organized way. The intervals of time assigned for each road may be adjusted to take into account factors such as difference in volume of traffic, the needs of pedestrians, or other traffic signals. Pedestrian crossings may be located near other traffic control devices; if they are not also regulated in some way, vehicles must give priority to them when in use. Traffic on a public road usually has priority over other traffic such as traffic emerging from private access; rail crossings and drawbridgesare typical exceptions.

Uncontrolled traffic

Uncontrolled traffic comes in the absence of lane markings and traffic control signals. On roads without marked lanes, drivers tend to keep to the appropriate side if the road is wide enough. Drivers frequently overtake others. Obstructions are common. Intersections have no signals or signage, and a particular road at a busy intersection may be dominant – that is, its traffic flows – until a break in traffic, at which time the dominance shifts to the other road where vehicles are queued. At the intersection of two perpendicular roads, a traffic jam may result if four vehicles face each other side-on.

Traffic Problems

Traffic congestion in many cities around the world is severe. One possible
solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on cardrivers and use this money to make public transport better. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a measure. One of the first benefits of such a measure is that the heavy taxes would discourage car owners from using their cars because it would become very expensive to drive. This would mean that they would begin to make use of public transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and pollution as well. Another benefit would be that much more use would be made of public transport if it was improved. It is often the case that public transport in cities is very poor.

For example, we often see old buses and trains that people would rather not use. High taxes would generate enough money to make the necessary changes. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. First and foremost, this would be a heavy burden on the car drivers. At present, taxes are already high for a lot of people, and so further taxes would only mean less money at the end of the month for most people who may have no choice but to drive every day. In addition, this type of tax would likely be set at a fixed amount. This would mean that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst the rich could likely afford it. It is therefore not a fair tax. To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation, but there are advantages and disadvantages of introducing such a policy.

Traffic management

Creating a travel plan

One of the most effective ways to ease traffic congestion at schools is to reduce the number of cars coming and going from your school. Boards of trustees can encourage students and staff to walk, cycle, take public transport, ride the school bus, participate in a walking school bus or car pool to school. Another way to manage traffic is to prepare a travel plan for traffic movement in and around the school, parking and pedestrians. Developing a travel plan with your community will get people thinking about alternative options for getting to and from school.

Complete the Traffic management checklist [Word; 92kb] before preparing the travel plan. Guidance on developing a travel plan is available at: NZ Transport Agency – provides a guide for developing school travel plans and organising a walking school bus Safe Kids New Zealand – has resources for educators about keeping kids safe including child pedestrian safety NZ

Police – has a School Road Safety

Education programme which teaches young people road safety skills. Check with your local council as they often have information about safety on the road. For example, Auckland Transport has information about road safety, walking and cycling, and encouraging students to use alternative transportation; Christchurch City Council has a programme called Safe Routes to Schools which investigates road safety issues in school communities and develops strategies to encourage safe and active travel to school. Improving traffic movement through the school

A good system for dropping off and picking up students will help manage traffic around and through the school. The system will depend upon the school, for example, if the school is located in an urban area with busy streets, coordinating traffic in and out of the school during peak times is critical, otherwise drivers are tempted to park illegally in the surrounding neighbourhood. Illegal practices include double parking and parking on yellow lines, across driveways, and near crossings. Many drivers justify this behaviour because they are only parked for a short time and they usually stay with the car. However, this practice is irritating for neighbours and unsafe for other road users. Traffic movement checklist

A good traffic system through the school includes:
car traffic flows in a clearly marked oneway direction
pedestrian access points located separately from car access points the bus bay is separated from car and pedestrian access points an off-street drop-off/pick-up zone
staff station at key points to manage traffic flow
car access separate from the car park.
If your school does not have land available to create an on-site drop-off/pick-up zone, you can contact the local council and ask for a dedicated kerbside access area on an adjacent street, if there are traffic issues. An example of an efficient traffic system

Other ideas for improving the flow of traffic include:
staggering start and finish times for different year groups
having staff to manage drop-offs and pick-ups at peak times will encourage cars to move along and not park. Paying for work to improve traffic systems

Boards can use Five Year Agreement (5YA) funding for work to improve traffic systems on their school site. Work needs to be planned in the 10 Year Property Plan (10YPP), and budgeted within the available 5YA funding. Car parking

Boards of trustees should have a parking policy about who can use the car parks on the school site. The policy will usually provide for staff and some visitors’ car parks. It is likely that there are not enough parks for students at a secondary school, which can create congestion in the neighbourhood. Schools can to talk to their local council, including parking enforcement officers familiar with the area, for ideas about managing the school’s parking issues. New car parks

The need for new or upgraded car parks may be triggered by new teaching spaces for roll growth space. In the new teaching spaces budget, boards are given a site works allowance for each roll growth classroom to pay for new car parks. The Ministry does not have a policy on the number of car parks schools should have, but local councils may have requirements in their District Plans that kick in when the school applies for building consent for a roll growth room or other type of project.

The council may require a traffic impact assessment. If the costs of new parks exceed the site works allowance, either because of the number required by the council or their cost, then additional funding will be considered. If the board wants car parks in excess of the council requirement, this must be funded through 5YA.

Special events – parking

Special events can cause parking problems. Ideas to manage these problems include: encouraging people to walk, car pool or use public transport opening up some of the grounds, such as playing fields or tennis courts, to provide extra parking arranging the use of nearby parking facilities arranging the use of remote parking facilities and provide shuttles to the event employing staff to direct traffic.

Traffic impact assessments
When a school applies for a building consent for a new building project the council may ask for a traffic impact assessment. The council will want to know if the proposed project will generate extra traffic and a need for additional parking, and how the school intends to manage the changes in traffic or parking. For larger projects, the council may require a professionally-prepared traffic impact assessment with an engineer’s report. Ask your council for names of companies who carry out these assessments or search the internet for traffic assessment consultants.

Traffic requirements vary depending on what the council has in their district plan. Some councils may require more parking spaces to be provided and some may have traffic requirements depending on the educational use, breaking them down by primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Other councils may have more general requirements. Schools will have to convince the council they are managing parking and traffic flows – having a good travel plan and traffic system will help. Boards should ensure their school community are not causing traffic and parking problems for neighbours because those neighbours may object to a school’s building consent application. Traffic management checklist

The following checklist will be helpful:
before starting the travel plan
for use by the professional consultant hired to prepare a traffic impact assessment – the assessment should address these issues as a minimum and providing this information will reduce the time and therefore cost of a consultant.

By looking at the above premises I reach to a solid conclusion; that no one should be allowed to ride in the truck of truck unless they have taken the necessary precautions, e. g. , having attained the proper age, or when the truck is but the only means of transport in a family and the speed at which the truck is traveling must be in agreement with the traffic rules.

Life should be taken care of, people must be willing to avoid accidents and injuries if they can be avoided, I truly look at riding at the back of a truck a mere way of inviting trouble. In cases where trucks (pickups) were involved in accidents and overturned the riders at the back were thrown out, this way permanent body injuries and/or death were inevitable. No-one should be allowed to ride in the back of a pick –up.

There are always risks associated to this type of traveling and in the USA; this is one of the leading cause of deaths in accidents on the road. There are various ways by which this can be made a little bit safe but all in all it should really be banned. Think of a person below the age of 18 riding at the back of a pick up and see the possibility of falling off. Riders especially Kids who traveled in the back of a pick up more than often suffer from monoxide poisoning.

It is so uncomfortable to ride in the back but teenagers find this as a way of having fun, rebelling, and teenagers will take advantage of this especially if the driver of the truck is not the owner and also when their parents are not near the scene. It is obvious that in case of an accident involving the pick up those at the back will get more injuries and even sometimes death may take place. If the pick-up rolls those at the back will be ejected out! It could then roll over them. The manufactures of these pick had the obvious reason for cargo transport not people.

Traffic laws state that those who ride at the back of a truck should be above the age of 18, that a certain speed should be observed if a truck has people riding in its back but sometimes these laws are violated and for this reason it should be banned completely that for whatsoever there should be no – one riding at the back, I know that sometimes this may not apply as there are times that this may be the only way of transport for certain people but it is banned they will get alternatives as it is better to have a transport problem than try to heal injuries and/or encounter death.

Jakarta’s traffic has always been a big problem for the government. Every morning Jakarta has been always and always enjoyed with the name stuck. Well, indeed, what can we do, as the center of the capital which will never slept through the night to come pick. Traffic jams are everywhere in Jakarta. It is hard for people in Jakarta and in its suburbs like Tangerang, Bekasi, Depok, and Bogor to move around. It takes too long than it should be to get to one place from another. The most significant causes of the problem lay on some factors. One of the causes is the number of vehicles in Jakarta.

There are too many buses, cars, motorcycles, and any other kinds of public transportation in the streets. no longer wonder, when rain flooded and jammed into one hell feels like a home for all the work. Not just one or two hours, private car users can be up to 3 hours not moving. If we talk to dealing with this beautiful country, government is not honored will be no end. A little opinion on our system of government from the beginning until now. I think the bottleneck can be overcome by the reduction of private vehicles. Yes indeed, almost every head of the family has a personal vehicle. But all of this can we reduce the government a lot of money, funds allocation and so on.

Make public transport comfortable, safe, plentiful, easy to reach, etc. With this people will switch to not use private vehicles. Why use a private vehicle anyway no public transport is safe, comfortable. Once people’s minds when they developed public facilities. It would certainly reduce the number of vehicles. Reduce pollution as well right? how do you cope with traffic, public transportation in Indonesia now just become a tool for criminals to rape, robbery, sexual abuse and many more. No wonder if the interest in public transport is less than private vehicles.

If indeed there are many cases like this, remove the serious legal, proper and in accordance with the actors do. If public transport is made more secure, convenient, effective, would jam a little loose. At least the volume of vehicles is reduced because they prefer public transportation. It’s just not regularly public transport, indiscriminate parking, driving like crazy, especially away from the comfortable security. So, my opinion still haunts Jakarta traffic jam to us before public transport facilities could be improved and the system works. Provide safe and convenient facilities, cheap price reach and act decisively on the laws, give severe punishment, retribution to the perpetrators of crime on public transport.

With this, it might be a little to reduce traffic jam in Jakarta. Actually the government of DKI Jakarta has also think about the traffic jam problem and they come out with PRODASIH (clean air program). One of the example is “three in one” which means there should be three people or more in one car, but in the reality lots of the car owner use jockey to avoid the regulation. So it comes back to the people of Jakarta consciousness to make the traffic in Jakarta more enjoyable. If they can not do this then may be in the next year there will be all traffic jam in the street of Jakarta that make the people harder to go through even to go out of their home.

I realize that now the traffic jam seems to be more crowded and long. Even in the place where usually never been any traffic jam now there is a jam and it is quite long and heavy. Maybe the government can be stricter about the regulation that they have already made. And I suggest to the government if the want to build street infrastructure such as the busway for Trans Jakarta they should make a better planning in it. Because what I see now is that they make it all in one time which make all the street suffering worse in traffic jam because all the street are under construction.

Can’t you make it just one by one Mr.Goverment? because if you make it one by one it will be easier for others to find alternative way in order to avoid the street construction. To conclude, the city government must do the research in order to find the solution for these problems and build more facilities like highways and streets. Creating and implementing strict regulation for the traffic systems can also solve the problem.

Everything happening oh so fast; from getting in the car to seeing the black escalade ram through our car. With the thought of “im dead” then everything going pitch black, everything seemed meaningless. Accidents factor in more than just impaired driving and icy roads. The drivers’ condition along with their responsibilities is the reason Peggy will never walk again.

Drivers need to stay sharp and aware on the road, and judging from the story ken did not seem to follow this. Even if you pay full attention, the danger of others is always on the road. As careful as you are other drivers mistakes are inevitable. In the story it says he rolled up his sleeves, even though it isn’t much; its still a sign of him compromising Peggy’s safety. Even if you take all precautions and stay aware of the road; you can’t always keep track of the always changing road conditions.

Safety is key for driving, but there are many complications on the road. It’s not always the road that complicates your safety; in the story it refers to Peggy wanting to visit the liquor store. Impaired driving injures someone ever other minute; with 16,000 deaths a year. Alcohol could’ve been a factor of why ken crashed, or it could’ve been a health issue. Peggy speculated he had a stroke or something at the wheel. Another safety violation occurred in the story; says he has only hand on the wheel. Again, it’s not much but it could’ve aided to the accident.

Even if the accident wasn’t within kens control, he is still responsible for it. Drivers are responsible for just about everything that happens to it and in the car. Ken took the wheel; as long with Peggy’s mobility. Other people on the road are highly unpredictable, but that doesn’t change the fact your responsible for your own.

In the end, it truly is Kens fault for paralyzing Peggy. Many things factor into an accident; but I think the main reason were his awareness for the road and lack of safe driving. It may have been Peggy’s choice to get in the car; but its clearly Kens fault for the crash. I feel people take driving to lightly, its one of the most dangerous methods of travel. People need to be more cautious.

Driving may be the most dangerous activity with which we are involved. Government estimated the death of 4,000 people and injury of 5000 per annum but according to study of WHO in 2009 the yearly death is more than 20,000. Worldwide, the number of people killed in road traffic accident each year is estimated at almost 1.2 million, while the number injured could be as high as 50 million.

Road traffic injuries constitute a major public health and development crisis, and are predicted to increase manifold gradually. With the number of vehicles rapidly rising in developing countries, road accident is quickly worsening in low and middle-income countries and is on its way to becoming the third leading cause of death and disabilities as epidemic by the year 2020 (WHO 2000) after two deadly diseases Ischaemic heart disease and Unipolar major depression. The total number of road traffic deaths worldwide and injuries is forecast to rise by some 65% between 2000 and 2020, and in least developed and developing countries deaths are expected to increase by as much as 80%.

Another statistics revealed that Bangladesh has one of the highest fatality rates internationally in road accidents, over 100 deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles.

Some US government departments campaign in 1997, encouraging the removal of the word “accident” from the traffic management vocabulary and suggested replacing it with the word “crash.” Because “Motor vehicle crashes and injuries are predictable, preventable events. Continued use of the word “accident” promotes the concept that these events are outside of human influence or control. In fact, they are predictable results of specific actions”. “We can identify their causes and take action to avoid them. These are not ’acts of God,’ but predictable results of the laws of physics”.

The profiles of fatal road accidents or crush are, – fatal accidents mainly occur on national highways; predominantly involve vehicles hitting pedestrians. The highest number of fatal accidents by far involve heavy vehicles like buses, minibuses and Trucks). The highest number of fatalities per accident occurs when vehicles collide head on and killed predominantly young persons.

The causes of Road accident are identified from the studies are 1. reckless driving; 2. over- speeding; 3. over- loading; 4. vehicular defects; 5. lack of knowledge and consciousness of the road users; 6. hazardous roads & road environments; 7. lack of training to the drivers; 8. lack of training of maintenance of vehicles; 9. poor implementation of Traffic rules & regulations; 10.driving under influence of alcohol, drugs etc.; 11. Non use of helmets, seat belts etc.; 12. walk on the roads instead of using the footpath; 13. cross the road without using the foot over bridge; 14. drive the vehicles by helpers instead of Drivers; 15. illegal competition to overtake the vehicle.

Studies showed that human behavioral factors collectively represent the main cause of three out of five road traffic crashes, and contribute to the cause in most remaining cases. Here importance should be given on human behavior from both vehicle operators and users aspects. Interestingly, in all cases people use to blame anyone of participants in the incident. Drivers could be rated as either ‘to blame’, ‘at least partly to blame’, or ‘not to blame’ in any given accident. But there were also many other reasons of accident like -unforeseen mechanical failure etc.

Bangladesh has lack of policy formulation and lack effective vehicle monitoring authority and enforcement forces. Due to lack of vehicle monitoring and regular vehicle maintenance unsafe vehicles run on the roads. Besides poor enforcements of traffic and highway regulations and lack of strength of enforcement authorities are considerably “promoting” traffic accidents.

Various research findings have presented strong evidence of an association between traffic conditions and crash probability. For example, vehicle speed has been associated with crashes in numerous studies. The variability in speed and car density increases the likelihood of a crash increases. A higher crash frequency was observed during the peak period and, counter intuitively, with normal weather conditions.

The best option to reduce crashes and their side effects has recently prompted research for proactive approaches in order to avoid crash occurrence in the first place. One of the most promising options gaining wide acceptance in recent years is the concept of detecting crash-prone traffic conditions and warning drivers when the likelihood of a crash is high in order to increase their attentiveness, thereby reducing the number of crashes. The study and evidence suggests that when driver attentiveness increases, crashes decline in spite of poor driving and environmental conditions.

The measures recommended throughout the world are: 1. avoid reckless driving, over speeding and over loading, 2. defective vehicles can not be derived; 2. provide adequate training to drivers and pedestrians; 3. roads should be properly constructed & maintained; 4. strong implementation of traffic rules & regulations; 5. pedestrians have to use the footpath instead of walking on the road; 6. safe driving without having alcohol, drugs etc. must be ensured; 7. Use foot over bridge or zebra crossing while passing the road;.8. Utilize helmets, seat belts, etc.; 9. 100% concentration is required while driving the Vehicle etc and 10. Massive awareness campaigns for public awareness of the road safety.

The awareness and training of all participants can reduce road crush to a significant numbers. It is possible through education of pedestrians, particularly children, women, aged on safe practices when near the road. The education of drivers, particularly heavy vehicle drivers, about road rules and safe driving practices is a must for a country like Bangladesh.

The enforcement of laws is very poor in our country. An increased enforcement of Regulations regarding unsafe vehicle condition and others are demand of the day. The increased enforcement of law and regulations regarding reckless or dangerous driving is a must for Bangladesh.

One the other hand, rationalization of inappropriate activities on, adjacent to or near the road is crying need of the time. Roads and highways are use for Bazar, parking, cross road passing and use of highways by slow moving vehicles creates risk of accidents. There must be provision of facility where appropriate for conflicting road uses. Improvements of narrow and deteriorated bridges, culverts and lanes in the highways are a must.

The appropriate provision of road signs and pavement markings throughout the network, and removal of any obstruction to the placement and effective vehicle regulation is very essential for all roads of the country.

The road infrastructures need safety audit and safety conscious planning of new road may be taken immediately. A small changes or improvements in road layout and use of roundabouts and treatments of roadway shoulders can improve road efficiency. The Intersection designs of flaring, channelization, traffic islands etc. may be incorporated and provision for and augmentation of adequate pedestrian facilities. Treatments of roadside hazards lie trees, ditches, other fixed objects like electric pools, Gas meter /stations should be well planned to avoid obstruction on the road.

There may be provision of special facilities for non-motorised vehicles and designated truck/bus lanes and installation of delineation devices (lane markings, guide posts, chevrons) to facilitate and guide traffic movements. Control device for over speeding and dangerous undesirable overtaking including traffic calming measures. Compulsory helmet use for motorcyclists and effective enforcement of laws and sanctions against alcohol impaired drivers and compulsory use of seatbelts by motor vehicle operators and car occupants including child should be effectively enforced.

Bangladesh has a moderately written Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1983 providing for non-bailable detention and capital punishment for reckless driving and silent killings on the roads. Such law is not only for punishment of offender drivers but it should be a regulatory law for providing safe road but unfortunately the law is perceived for punishment of drivers.

Currently drivers are tried under Sections 304 (A), 304 (B) and 279, all bailable. While one can be given five years under the first section, the offenders can be awarded the highest three years’ jail in the remaining two sections.

The civil society and some organizations campaigning for safe road if fact also demanding amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and the Penal Code as well as Motor vehicle Act to penalise the rash drivers of motor vehicles to ensure road safety in the country and to enhance the road crush as offence for capital punishment without considering other major factors of road crush.

The proposed amendment to the section 304 (A) says, “Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years to 10 years with fine or both.” “Whoever causes the death of any person, by rash or negligent driving of any vehicle or riding on any public way, not amounting to culpable homicide shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years to seven years with fine or both,” according to the proposed amended section of 304 (B) of the penal code.

The proposed amendment to the section 338 (A) says, “Whoever causes grievous injury to any person by driving any vehicle or riding on any public way so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one years to five years with fine or both.” Some time police use to file case against drivers under penal code section 302,whichis non bailable and can fetch the death penalty. On the other hand, the Truck drivers association demanded that no case be filed against drivers under Section 302. Driver should not face charges of intentional killing for all the accidents those may be also “accidental” killing.

Drivers have taken one of the riskiest professions to serve the society. The question of professional immunity for unintentional killing is a major concern for drivers. They should be the right of defending themselves for unintentional killing or death for the mistake of victim or defective road or transport etc.

The director of Accident Research Institute (ARI) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has the observation that “Can we not term it an intentional offence when a driver hits the road with an unfit vehicle, violates traffic rules, like crossing speed limits, changing lanes abruptly, overtaking other vehicles frequently, resulting in deaths?”

A road traffic crash results from a combination of factors related to the components of the system comprising roads, the environment, vehicles and road users, and the way they interact. Identifying the risk factors that contribute to road traffic crashes is important in identifying interventions that can reduce the risk associated with those factors

A mere increase of punishments of drivers for all kind of accident cannot serve the purpose of safe journey in the road. The global policy is prevention of road crush not the punishment of drivers, one of the road users. Our problem is failure to implementation of the laws. This is an inefficiency of management. Rather, we should have policy of safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles through improvement of safety measures and proper education to all road users including drivers and implementation of
existing laws.