PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN DHAKA

In Bangladesh, with a low level of motorisation, the role of walk mode is quite significant. Yet pedestrians have received far less attention than vehicular traffic. This paper presents an overview of the pedestrian safety situation in metropolitan Dhaka, the nation's capital. Pedestrian accidents accounted for about 20 per cent of all traffic accidents and about 60 per cent of traffic fatalities. Pedestrian accidents occurred in higher numbers where pedestrian facilities are seriously deficient or lacking. It was also observed that pedestrians were most vulnerable (60 per cent) while crossing the roads. Accidents are mainly caused by careless and hazardous behaviour by both pedestrians and drivers. The situation is further aggravated due to inadequate and low levels of education, deficiencies in law enforcement and engineering countermeasures to protect pedestrians. A systematic analysis of pedestrian accidents with consideration of accident type and location and pedestrian characteristics is urgently needed for a clear understanding of the problem and for the development of effective treatments. Possible cost- effective countermeasures related to pedestrian safety are discussed. For the covering entry of this conference, see IRRD abstract 843192.