Drivers or killers?
I fully share the views expressed by Mr. Rahat in your column on 22nd June on the subject. It is very unfortunate to see that the on duty traffic policemen are oblivious of the countless traffic violations that are being committed by the bus drivers of Dhaka city particularly of some specific brands which have the most dented and dilapidated look of their so called public transport. Because of heavy build and very shabby look of their vehicles they could not care less in damaging other vehicles ignoring all norms of traffic rules. Not only the drivers are unruly their assistants are equally if not more unruly as they scream and shout at the small private cars for space at the miseries/panic of private car owners. The rule that says the slower vehicle should move on the left lane and all overtaking be done from right seems to be forgotten all the time. Similarly, taking a right turn from left lanes has become a standard rule in this country. I wonder if the traffic police do know about these rules or if these rules have been written off from the book. I am pretty sure these route permit holders along with their accomplice drivers have an unholy alliance with the on duty traffic policemen who overlook all such violations in favour of personal gains.
Another point that pains us most is the arrogance of the first generation owners. These owners themselves do not know anything about the cars and the traffic laws and are entirely dependent on their arrogant/ignorant/immature and reckless drivers and do not have the guts to tell the drivers to follow the rules. They think that reaching 2-3 minutes earlier by breaking all rules and jeopardizing others is a wonderful job done by their drivers. These kinds of owners/drivers are in fact a majority that have compounded the problem.
The other thing that strikes me also is the reluctance of the traffic police to take any action on damage caused to small vehicles by big vehicles in traffic offences in the fear of causing congestion on the road. Because of no help from police it is impossible to get any kind of compensation from such evil doers- and for no reasons of yours you have to pay from your own pocket huge sums to repair the vehicle and at times for medical assistance to yourself.
Can the city/country expect to get out of this mess or how long will the department concerned remain oblivious of the issues like any other issue and wait until it has become a failed state in its entirety?
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