Most of the vehicles, particularly buses and private cars, are not following the government-fixed speed limits while running on roads and highways across the country, thus posing a potential risk of fatal accidents.
The traffic situation of roads in the metropolitan cities is just horrible as almost all drivers run their vehicles recklessly, not giving a damn about the speed limit. Lack of proper guidelines is one of the main reason for not following the speed limits.
Sources at the authorities concerned said that shortage of speed guns is making it difficult for the traffic police units to enforce the speed limit on the roads in metropolitan cities and district towns across the country.
On-site observation along major roads and highways show that most vehicles are ignoring the designated speed limits. Buses and private cars are often seen running at a speed of 100 km/h or even more on free roads.
The speed limit has been welcomed by many passengers, but drivers have shown mixed reactions. Some passengers said that road accidents might significantly come down if speed limit is followed by the drivers.
The highway police have shown some activity in implementing the government-fixed speed limits. They sometimes conduct awareness campaign to encourage drivers to follow speed limit and also fine violators of the rules.
Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) Chairman Ilias Kanchan said that the government issued a directive last year to follow speed limit, but most vehicles are ignoring it for lack of proper guidelines for the drivers.
He urged the government to take strict measures so that drivers follow speed limits in the greater interest of the passengers.
The Nirapad Sarak Chai chairman also stressed the need for introduction of a standard helmet policy for motorcycle riders.
Prof Dr Sohel Reza Chowdhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, said, “We have a speed limit policy, but it is not being followed.”
He also said that fatalities and injuries due to motorcycle accidents have increased in recent times. Though some enforcement has led to increased helmet use among riders, but in most cases, low quality helmet is being used.
The use of seat belts remains low in the country, and there is hardly any visible initiative from the government in this regard. Similarly, no adequate action is being taken to prevent drug use among drivers.
Dr Chowdhury further said the government should take strict measures in this regard. Additionally, the existing system for compensating road accident victims should be made simpler. However, he feels that since the interim government took office, road safety has been given less priority than other matters.
Maximum speed for buses, minibuses, and cars, SUVs, microbuses, and other light vehicles has been fixed at 80kmph on expressways while speed limit for trucks, small trucks, and other goods-laden vehicles is 50kmph and it is 60kmph for bikes and 50kmph for articulated lorries.
Three-wheelers are not allowed on expressways and national highways, according to the guidelines.
Cars, SUVs, microbuses, buses, minibuses, and other light vehicles can run on national highways (category A) at a maximum speed of 80kmph.
The speed limit has been fixed at 50kmph for trucks, bikes, and articulated lorries on highways. It would be 70kmph for cars, buses, and minibuses on national highways (category B), 50kmph for bikes, and 45kmph for trucks and articulated lorries on the highways.
The speed limit for cars, buses, and minibuses on district roads is 60kmph while it is 50kmph for bikes and 45km for trucks and articulated lorries.
The maximum speed limit would be 40kmph for cars, buses, and minibuses on streets inside city corporations, municipalities, and district towns, and 30kmph for trucks, motorcycles, and articulated lorries.
The guideline also determines speed limits for roads in upazilas and villages across the country.
The local administration will fix the speed limit near educational institutions, religious establishments, hospitals, markets, and residential areas. However, it would not be over 40kmph on national highways and 30kmph on regional highways.
This rule would not be applicable for vehicles providing emergency services like ambulances and fire engines, according to the guidelines.
Experts said that controlling vehicle speed is essential to reduce road accidents. As average speed increases, severity of road crash damages rises. Even a 1 km/h increase in speed can lead to a 4–5 percent rise in fatalities.
Data shows a strong correlation between speed and accidents. Higher speeds disproportionately affect pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children. For instance, if a vehicle moving at 50 km/h, the risk of a pedestrian fatality is below 20 percent. But at 80 km/h, the risk jumps to 60 percent.
This indicates that the number of casualties in accidents is directly linked to speed. That’s why experts stress that speed is a major factor in road accidents. Higher speed requires a longer stopping distance—without it, the likelihood of crashes increases significantly.
Sources said that failure to comply with speed limits is leading to a rise in accidents and fatalities on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway. The maximum permitted speed is 80 km/h, yet vehicles are speeding at 90 to 120 km/h, increasing the risk of accidents and loss of lives.
Passengers complain that reckless competition among unskilled drivers is a major cause of accidents. On the other hand, drivers argue that increased traffic pressure on modern roads is contributing to the rise in accidents.
However, the highway police claim they are continuing various initiatives to keep the situation under control.
Md Zahurul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Shibchar Highway Police Station under Madaripur region, said, “The highway police are carrying out various activities daily on the expressway to prevent accidents. Drivers are being fined for violating traffic rules, yet accidents continue to occur. Lack of awareness among drivers is one of the main reasons behind it.”
