The incidence of overall child involvement in road accident fatalities in Bangladesh is found to be very high, accounting for about twenty two percent. From an analysis of accident data collected from police with a study period of seven years (1998-2004) it is evident that the involvement of children below 15 years of age in road accident fatalities is much higher than those in other developing countries. This paper aims to discuss the issue of child safety by addressing special needs and requirements of children. Significant reduction of accidents and injuries is possible through a safety conscious and systematic application of countermeasures encompassing traditional three E's- Engineering Enforcement and Education. Also the role of road safety education for children is discussed because it is essential for effective and sustained prevention of accidents and injuries in the longer term. The safety of vulnerable road users, especially children, must be sufficiently catered for in road safety engineering strategies and principles. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217713.
Samenvatting