Speed Management and Safe Crossing on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway (N2) in Bangladesh

Executive Summary
Around 90% of the world’s road traffic deaths occur in low <strong>and</strong> middle income countries
(LMIC). Bangladesh has over 100 road traffic deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles, one of the
highest rates in the world. Most of the crashes occurring at ‘black spots’ <strong>and</strong> about 70% of
crash fatalities occur in rural areas. This pilot demonstration project has been implemented
on the Dhaka-Sylhet (N2) highway of Bangladesh. This road has many black spots <strong>and</strong> a high
number of pedestrian fatalities. The pilot is innovative in both the selection of implemented
interventions (a combination of effective <strong>and</strong> relatively low-cost measures) <strong>and</strong> in the approach
to monitor pre- <strong>and</strong> post-intervention data.
The intervention program combines small-scale infrastructural measures for traffic calming
(e.g., using speed humps, signs, <strong>and</strong> marking) with practical training (e.g., to school children)
<strong>and</strong> active community involvement. Three methods are used for monitoring: development of
own crash database with local record keepers, speed analysis, <strong>and</strong> conflict observation study
using video (DOCTOR).
The demonstration project reveals some new knowledge <strong>and</strong> the precise causes of crashes <strong>and</strong>
conflicts. Buses are involved in 71% of dangerous road situations. <strong>Speed</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> overtaking
are the main risk-enhancing factors. The project has been fruitful in reducing excessive speed
of the vehicles to moderate one <strong>and</strong> hence improving overall crash situation
After implementation of the pilot, the crash database showed a 63% reduction in the number
of crashes <strong>and</strong> a reduction of over 70% in the number of people killed <strong>and</strong> injured.
An additional advantage of the integrated speed management program is that it can be
implemented relatively quickly (in 6 to 12 months) <strong>and</strong> that the cost-effectiveness is very high.
Moreover, estimated social economic return at 6000 % for this project which is tremendous.
It’s clear from the study findings that speed management interventions can be effectively
implemented on existing dangerous roads in Bangladesh to improve road safety. Furthermore,
the concept should also be an integral part of the design of new infrastructure. This speed
management project can be implemented in many more risky locations along the highway,
both in rural settings as well in urban areas. Investing in effective, low cost speed management
programs will significantly reduce the number of crashes <strong>and</strong> makes the roads much safer
<strong>and</strong> therefore we recommend the Government to invest more in these programs. We strongly
recommend that the respective government agencies act now with decisive actions in order to
reduce the death in road by 50% within 2020.
Report on <strong>Speed</strong> <strong>Management</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Safe</strong> <strong>Crossing</strong> on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway (N2) in Bangladesh
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