Field-Level Social Research on the Socio-Economic Impacts of Road Crashes

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to road crashes. Every day, countless people are killed or injured in road crashes. Most of those affected belong to low- and middle-income families. In many cases, they are the sole or primary earning members of their families. As a result, numerous families become financially vulnerable following road crashes and are pushed out of the mainstream of social and economic development. Consequently, the country’s socio-economic challenges are becoming increasingly severe.

In this context, the Road Safety Foundation has taken the initiative to conduct field-level social research and a survey to collect evidence-based information on the long-term socio-economic impacts of road crashes on affected individuals and their families. The research will examine changes in their livelihoods and living conditions before and after crashes, access to medical treatment and rehabilitation services, and the effectiveness of government support and assistance.

As an initial phase, the research will be conducted in Dhamrai and Nawabganj Upazilas of Dhaka District and Daudkandi Upazila of Comilla District. Through field-level data collection, interviews, and direct observations, the research will seek to present the real-life conditions of individuals and families affected by road crashes.

Key Objectives and Areas of Investigation

Through this research, an effort will be made to collect information and present the ground realities concerning the following issues

1. Pre- and Post-Crash Socio-Economic Conditions

To assess changes in the financial, social, and family circumstances of road crash victims and their families before and after the crash.

2. Type of Crash and Motor Vehicle Involvement

To identify how the crash occurred and determine the type of motor vehicle or other vehicle involved in or responsible for the crash.

3. Rescue Operations Following the Crash

To collect information on who rescued the affected individuals following the crash and how the rescue operation was carried out.

4. Medical Services and the Role of Government Hospitals

To determine whether injured individuals received treatment at government hospitals and, if so, assess the effectiveness and adequacy of the treatment provided. The research will also identify the barriers they faced in accessing medical care.

5. Government Assistance and Rehabilitation Support

To assess whether road crash victims or their families received any financial, medical, social, or rehabilitation support from the government and to evaluate the effectiveness of such assistance in meeting their actual needs.

6. Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities or Loss of Earning Capacity

To identify appropriate employment opportunities, skills development and vocational training, and alternative livelihood initiatives that could support the socio-economic rehabilitation of people who have become permanently disabled or lost their earning capacity as a result of road crashes.

It is expected that this research will provide a clear understanding of the actual socio-economic conditions of individuals and families affected by road crashes. At the same time, the findings of the research may play an important role in formulating and implementing effective government policies, social protection measures, medical assistance, rehabilitation services, and livelihood support programs for road crash victims and their families.