In Bangladesh, road traffic accidents remain a persistent and traumatic issue, resulting in numerous casualties and significant economic losses. These incidents often stem from a lack of awareness about traffic rules, a tendency to ignore regulations, and systemic flaws in road management.
To address this pressing problem, Youth for Policy (YfP) launched the “Safe Roads, Secure Journey” nationwide campaign from October 20 to 23, 2024, in celebration of National Road Safety Day 2024, reaching out to 16 districts across the country. This initiative aimed to educate students, local drivers, and community members about the importance of safe road practices. Through interactive workshops and public outreach efforts, YfP volunteers highlighted the critical role individuals play in fostering safer roads.
The campaign kicked off with engaging workshops at schools, colleges, and universities. Students participated in group activities that brought road safety guidelines to life. Informative leaflets were distributed to encourage students to become advocates for road safety within their families and communities. Additionally, drivers and pedestrians received practical safety tips through demonstrations conducted by volunteers.
One particularly impactful event took place in a rural tea estate area, where young students commuting to urban centers learned about essential traffic laws. These students pledged not only to adhere to traffic rules themselves but also to share this knowledge with family and friends, amplifying the campaign’s reach.
Key public locations such as bus terminals and intersections served as focal points for further outreach. Volunteers distributed leaflets, displayed posters, and placed awareness stickers on vehicles, all with support from traffic police. This collaboration underscored the campaign’s message to a broad audience.
The “Safe Roads, Secure Journey” campaign concluded with participants making strong commitments to prioritize road safety, marking a collective step toward a future where safe roads are a shared responsibility across Bangladesh.