Abstract

The present articulation focuses on the role of legal tools to combat road accidents in Bangladesh. This study is based on the articles published in national and international journals and conference proceedings, news paper articles and reports published by various government agencies, online articles and interviews. The study reveals that the major cause of road accident is the negligence of the driver and the shortcomings in law enforcement. The present Motor Vehicle Ordinance of 1983 (MVO 1983) and the proposed Road Transport and Traffic Act (RTTA) are critically reviewed here. The MVO 1983 is applicable only to the motorised vehicles though the number of non-motorised vehicles in Bangladesh is twice than that of motorised vehicles. The study finds that major limitations and outdated penal provisions of the MVO 1983 are addressed in the proposed RTTA and additionally, a new point demerit scheme is been introduced in the proposed Act. Finally it is suggested that, policing activities must be strengthen to reduce the road accident through law enforcement.