Motorcycle accidents are increasing in Sylhet due to various reasons, including reckless driving by teenagers, overtaking, and reluctance to use helmets.
In the last 10 months, 113 drivers and pillion riders died in motorcycle accidents in the Sylhet region. Forty percent of them were under 18 years of age, according to information received from Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA).
Traffic Inspector of MoulvibazarNihar Ranjan Singh said that most of the motorcyclists in Sylhet are teenagers. They buy motorcycles before they grow up enough, he said, adding that many mothers buy their sons their favourite motorcycles, although they are not old enough to drive motorbikes.
Nihar Ranjan Singh, who was in charge of the traffic police in the Sylhet region, also said that motorcycles like Royal Enfield and One Five are available here. There is also a rating club for rating competitions. Many of them do not use safety equipment and they are also reluctant to use helmets. Even though there is a provision for motorcycle registration without license, showrooms do not follow it. A good number of students of a private school in the city’s Tilagarh areaare seen driving motorcycles. Most of them are under the age of 18.
Jahirul Islam Mishu, member secretary of the Sylhet divisional committee of NISCHA, said that in the last 10 months from January to October this year, 302 people lost their lives in 297 accidents in the Sylhet region. Of them, 113 were motorcycle drivers and pillion riders. Besides, 66 pedestrians were killed in road accidents. During this period, 745 people were also injured in road crashes.
Mishu said that 137 people died in motorcycle accidents in four districts under this division last year. A total of 375 people also died in road accidents in this division during the period, he added.
A police source, on condition of anonymity, said that young children are buying expensive brand motorcycles to maintain their status. Many expatriate relatives buy motorcycles for themwithout the knowledge of their parents.
Companyganj Police arrested a young man with a motorcycle from the border area on Wednesday for not using helmet.
Abdul Aziz alias Umed Ahmed, a resident of Sylhet city, said that professional motorcycle riders regularly use helmets, but non-professional motorcyclists have a low tendency to use helmets.
Motorcycles account for most accidents on the highway,he said,adding that accidents can be prevented to a large extentif the brakes and clutches of motorbikes are checked properly and the speed of motorbikes can be controlled.
Kazi Saifun Newaz, assistant director at Accident Research Institute under Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), said that half of the total vehicles in the country are motorcycles. Most of the bikers are not trained. Many do not even use helmets. Motorcyclists suddenly fall in front of cars and get into accidents. Purchasing a helmet should be made mandatory when buying a motorcycle. This should also be taken into account when issuing a driving license, he added.
Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Police Commissioner (Traffic) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP), said that most of the motorcyclists in Sylhet wear helmets on their foreheads,which poses a terrible danger to them after an accident. He said that motorcycle documents and helmets are currently being checked at 10 check posts in Sylhet city. Cases are being filed against those who do not follow the rules.
A source at the Highway Police said that they conduct drives against motorcyclists at the starting points on the highway. Cases are filed against law violators. In many cases, they are counseled on using helmets. In response to another question, the source said that when drives are conducted against motorcyclists in the middle of the highway, they get chased by the police and collide with other vehicles. Due to which the risk of danger is high. He called for conducting campaigns at the school and college levels. He also suggested making petrol pump owners aware in this regard.
Amir Hossain, Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in Sylhet, said that RHD representatives visit the spot after the accident and try to find out the cause of the accident.
Traffic Inspector Nihar Ranjan Singh said that in addition to checking driving licenses to prevent motorcycle accidents, parents should be made aware. Parents should be motivated so that underage boys cannot buy motorcycles. He also stressed the need for developing an app for those who are riding motorcycles in Sylhet city.
