246 Speed management in Bangladesh: policy gaps and adaptation of a comprehensive guideline

Background Speed is a predominant road crash risk factor; thus, speed management is indeed important. However, Bangladesh lacks a comprehensive speed management guideline. Furthermore, global guidance may not work due to different functional requirements. This paper which is a part of a broader study on the development of a comprehensive speed management guideline for Bangladesh focuses on the speed management issue of Bangladesh. The paper particularly concentrates on the policy gaps, on-road speed behavior, influential factors, challenges, and the way forward. Methodology Studies on speed behavior and factors, speed management guidelines, and best practices were reviewed. Furthermore, existing transport acts, laws, and regulations were also reviewed systematically. Field study was done to collect spot speeds and different attributes including road and roadside environments for different roadway segments. A regression model has been developed to evaluate the significant factors, which eventually lead to developing the infrastructure risk rating (IRR). Crash data has been collected from Bangladesh police to crossmatch the crash risk rating (CRR). Results The existing Road Transport Act (2018) has only given the right to set speed limits in Clause-44; however, there is no information about speed limits, except a few instructions for operators in Clause-125. The Authority although has recognized the necessity of a thorough guideline for managing speed and has stressed in the recently enacted regulations Road Transport Rules (2022). Field study revealed the speed range in a given segment of road is very wide, ranging from 40–120 kmph in rural sections of the highway, and 10–80 kmph in urban sections of the highway with heterogenous traffic. The presence of heavy vehicles and NMV, level of pedestrian concentration, road shoulder, access, and bridge are major factors that affect the speed choice of drivers. Attributes related to drivers' profiles, such as age, education level, physical ability, training, and experience also affect drivers' speed behavior. Conclusions There is no doubt that speed has a substantial impact on road safety. It is necessary to adopt a comprehensive guideline that considers local peculiarities and factors in order to manage speed pragmatically and eventually improve safety.