Pedestrians, particularly students and workers, face significant risks when they cross busy roads. With industrial, commercial, and educational activities concentrated in urban areas, many must cross high-speed roads daily. This issue is part of a broader global challenge, as 93 per cent of road traffic fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries. Bangladesh has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates, with 102.1 deaths per 10,000 vehicles and 13.6 per 100,000 people. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable, accounting for 65 per cent of all road-related injuries.
To address this problem, Bangladesh鈥檚 road agencies have introduced various pedestrian crossings. At-grade crossings, such as zebra crossings, are commonly used due to their lower cost compared to grade-separated facilities like footbridges. However, while zebra crossings are practical, their effectiveness is severely compromised by driver鈥檚 reluctance to yield to pedestrians. This failure to yield not only endangers lives but also discourages the use of designated crossings, forcing pedestrians to take dangerous risks when crossing roads.
In a recent study, the author sought to understand why drivers in Bangladesh fail to yield to pedestrians at zebra crossings and what can be done to encourage safer behaviour. Using behaviour change theories, the author investigated the factors that influence drivers鈥� yielding behaviour and explored potential solutions that would benefit both drivers and pedestrians.
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Driver鈥檚 reluctance to yield
IN MANY developing countries like Bangladesh, pedestrian safety is often overlooked in favour of faster vehicle movement. This has led to a dangerous situation where pedestrians are forced to navigate roads designed primarily for vehicles without adequate consideration for their safety.
Bangladesh, with its growing number of vehicles and increasing urban population, has seen a rise in conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. The lack of proper enforcement of traffic laws, coupled with drivers鈥� disregard for pedestrian crossings, creates a hazardous environment for those on foot.
Pedestrians, particularly vulnerable groups such as students, the elderly, and children, often face life-threatening situations when crossing roads. This issue is worsened by the lack of consistent road design standards and inadequate driver education, which leads to confusion and unsafe behaviours on both sides.
For instance, although pedestrian footbridges are available in some locations, they are often underused because they are inconvenient or inaccessible. As a result, zebra crossings are seen as the most viable option for ensuring pedestrian safety. However, these crossings are only effective if drivers yield to pedestrians 鈥� a practice that is not yet widely adopted in Bangladesh.
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Understanding driver鈥檚 behaviour
ROAD safety in Bangladesh has been a bruning concern, especially following the 2018 student-led protests for safer roads. Pedestrians, who are among the most vulnerable road users, face the highest risks. However, even with designated crossings available, many drivers seem unwilling to stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
To address this issue, we need to look deeper into the psychology behind drivers鈥� actions. Using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour model 鈥� a widely used tool for analysing behaviour 鈥� the author conducted surveys with over 200 drivers on two major highways in Bangladesh. The model helped assess various behavioural and environmental factors that could encourage drivers to yield.
Additionally, focus group discussions were held with 40 pedestrians and 19 drivers who regularly use pedestrian crossings. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives and experiences of both pedestrians and drivers at designated crossings.
The results of the study revealed that several key factors contribute to whether or not a driver yields to pedestrians. These factors can be broadly categorised into two groups: motivational factors and opportunity factors.
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What encourages drivers to yield?
DRIVER鈥橲 decisions to yield to pedestrians are influenced by a combination of motivational and opportunity factors. On the motivational side, drivers are more likely to yield when pedestrians follow rules and cross at designated points, avoiding random crossings. The presence of vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, or women, also encourages drivers to yield, as they recognise the increased risk for these individuals. Assertive pedestrians who confidently signal their intention to cross by making eye contact or other gestures further enhance the likelihood of drivers yielding. Additionally, drivers often slow down and yield when they perceive pedestrians as visibly hesitant or fearful, understanding the potential danger of an accident.
In terms of opportunity factors, clear road markings, including traffic signs and advanced yield lines, act as visual reminders for drivers to slow down and yield. Group crossings, especially during peak hours like school dismissals, also encourage drivers to yield, as larger numbers of pedestrians signal a higher need for caution. Finally, the enforcement of traffic laws, whether through visible police presence or traffic cameras, significantly reinforces the need for drivers to yield, as they are more likely to comply when they know they are being monitored.
These findings suggest that drivers鈥� behaviour can be influenced by both external factors (such as signage and enforcement) and internal factors (such as their perception of pedestrians and fear of causing harm).
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Improving pedestrian safety
THE results of this study have significant implications for road safety in Bangladesh. First, they highlight the importance of designing pedestrian crossings that account for both the physical and psychological needs of road users. Simply installing zebra crossings is not enough; drivers must be educated and motivated to yield to pedestrians.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through a combination of better infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. For example, installing more visible road signs and markings can help alert drivers to the presence of crossings and encourage them to slow down. At the same time, targeted campaigns that educate both drivers and pedestrians about the importance of following traffic rules could help foster a culture of mutual respect on the roads.
Enforcement is also critical. Without regular enforcement, drivers are unlikely to change their behavior. Therefore, road safety authorities must ensure that traffic laws are consistently enforced, with penalties for drivers who fail to yield at crossings.
Additionally, community involvement is essential. Road safety initiatives should not be designed in isolation but should involve input from local communities. By engaging with pedestrians and drivers, transportation planners can develop interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and behaviours of local road users. This collaborative approach is more likely to result in interventions that are both effective and sustainable.
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Making roads safe for all
THE safety of pedestrians in Bangladesh is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. With more than half of road injuries involving pedestrians, it is clear that current road designs and traffic management systems are failing to protect the most vulnerable road users. My study has shown that simple, cost-effective measures 鈥� such as improved road signage, better enforcement, and public education 鈥� can significantly improve pedestrian safety.
As Bangladesh continues to develop and urbanise, it is crucial that transportation authorities prioritise the safety of all road users, especially pedestrians. This includes not only designing safer crossings but also fostering a culture of respect and awareness among drivers and pedestrians alike.
The government, road agencies, and local communities must work together to create roads that are safe for everyone. By focusing on both the physical and behavioural aspects of road safety, Bangladesh can reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities, making its streets safer for pedestrians and drivers alike.
In conclusion, pedestrian safety is not just a matter of infrastructure but also of behavior. By encouraging drivers to yield and creating environments where pedestrians can safely cross the road, Bangladesh can make significant strides toward reducing road traffic injuries and saving lives.
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Dr Mohammad Shaheen Sarker is an additional project director at the Roads and Highways Department.