Dear Sir,
Zebra crossings are intended to provide pedestrians with a safe way to cross roads. However, in Dhaka, they have increasingly become a source of concern rather than protection. Despite traffic regulations requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians, many drivers ignore the rules and pass through crossings at high speed.
Children, elderly people, persons with disabilities and the sick are particularly vulnerable. Long waits, reckless driving, excessive horn use, faded markings, poor maintenance and weak law enforcement increase the risks, leaving many pedestrians feeling unsafe even at zebra crossings.
Improving pedestrian safety requires stricter enforcement of traffic laws, greater driver awareness, regular maintenance of zebra crossings and effective CCTV-based monitoring. A truly civilized city ensures that pedestrians can cross the road safely and confidently.
Ibrahim Ibney Aziz
Student, Department of Sociology
University of Dhaka
