Last week, a tragic accident at a pedestrian crossing in Phuentsholing claimed the lives of a 32-year-old mother and her three-year-old daughter. An excavator, operated by an 18-year-old unlicensed driver, struck them, resulting in their immediate deaths. This heart-wrenching accident has sparked a wave of public outcry over safety issues and traffic management in the country.

Road safety, particularly in densely populated urban areas, requires a lot of improvement. All these years, we have taken excessive pride in being the last nation on earth without traffic lights – almost to the point of being romanticised. Perhaps, it is time now to re-evaluate our approach to traffic management and prioritise “safety above all else” to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As our towns expand rapidly, there is a growing necessity for traffic lights and pedestrian bridges at strategic locations. Unlicensed driving, speeding, drunk driving, and other traffic violations continue to claim lives. It is imperative to enforce stricter rules and impose harsher penalties for traffic offences.

To start with, more severe penalties will act as a deterrent against traffic violations. And over time, this will build a culture of respect for rules and public consciousness for road safety.

We need harsher penalties for violations of speed limits and driving under the influence. Speed limits around schools and other critical areas should be rigorously enforced. For instance, the current speed limit near Zilukha School is 50 km per hour. This does not take into account the safety needs of young students. Speed limits should be lowered to 20 km per hour near schools to reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Pedestrian safety must be a top priority, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Many pedestrian crossings are poorly located, such as on curves that fall on the blindside of the drivers, or uphill points where vehicles are likely to accelerate. These dangerous placements significantly increase the risk of accidents. We need to review and redesign pedestrian crossings to ensure they are situated in safe and visible locations.

Installing pedestrian lights at zebra crossings is another critical measure. These lights can enhance visibility and ensure that drivers are aware of pedestrians crossing the road.

Ultimately, there is a strong need for a cultural shift in how we approach road safety. Traffic rules are only effective when respected and followed. Public education campaigns highlighting the importance of road safety, coupled with the enforcement of existing rules, are essential to fostering a culture of responsibility among drivers.

The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority recently introduced new traffic regulations. While these new rules are a positive step, only effective enforcement of these rules will make a difference. And this requires a coordinated effort from government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the public.

The tragic accident in Phuentsholing should serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive traffic safety reforms. We must ensure that such tragic incidents do not happen ever again.