BRTA issues slate of instructions to help reduce bus crash fatalities

“If these measures are implemented, they will allow people the opportunity to quickly exit buses,” it says

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has issued a slate of instructions to reduce fatalities from bus accidents on roads, ferries, and level rail crossings.

It issued a public advisory on Thursday to ensure passengers can disembark from buses quickly in case of accidents.

In March, 12 people were killed when a train smashed into a bus at a level crossing in Cumilla and 26 others drowned when a bus fell into the Padma River while attempting to board a ferry in Daulatdia. The BRTA has now issued instructions in response to the two tragedies.

The instructions were separated for air conditioned and non-air conditioned public transport.

"When accidents occur while traveling on roads and highways, crossing ferry piers and railway crossings, passengers face various obstacles while trying to quickly exit through doors and windows. In many cases, this also leads to loss of life," the BRTA said.

Under these circumstances, air-conditioned or AC public transport must have visibly marked “emergency exits”, as well as one or more suitable devices to break window glass, the BRTA said.

On non-AC buses, stainless steel rods placed parallel to the windows for curtains create a major obstacle for passengers attempting to escape. Therefore, the BRTA also gave instructions to remove these rods.

The BRTA says: "If these measures are implemented, they will allow people to quickly exit buses in the event of an accident and increase the chances of saving passengers' lives."

Requesting all concerned to follow the instructions properly, the public notice said that legal action will be taken on the matter.