𝐁𝐂𝐓𝐀 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐛 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

By Kezang Choden

In an effort to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents, the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) has been conducting road safety awareness and sensitization programs across multiple dzongkhags. These initiatives aim to educate drivers and pedestrians on crucial safety measures, promote responsible driving habits, and address key concerns such as overloading and distracted driving.

One of the program’s primary focuses is raising awareness about vehicle load capacity and the risks associated with overloading. Overloaded vehicles not only compromise road safety but also accelerate infrastructure wear and tear, leading to increased maintenance costs and endangering other road users.

The BCTA has also emphasized the dangers of mobile phone use while driving. Officials have cautioned that mobile phone use behind the wheel significantly diverts attention, slows reaction time, and heightens the risk of collisions. Despite strict regulations, distracted driving remains a serious issue, with 1,524 drivers caught using mobile phones while driving in 2024 alone.

The program also addresses the alarming number of cases related to driving under the influence of alcohol. Last year, authorities recorded 2,949 cases of drunk driving, posing a severe threat to both motorists and pedestrians. To ensure safer roads, the BCTA has urged all drivers and pedestrians to strictly adhere to traffic laws. Compliance with road safety regulations is not just a legal obligation but a collective responsibility to prevent accidents and save lives.

Authorities have reiterated that stricter enforcement measures will be implemented to curb reckless driving behaviors.
With Bhutan witnessing a steady rise in vehicular traffic, initiatives like these are crucial in fostering a culture of responsible driving and ensuring the safety of all road users. The BCTA continues to advocate for enhanced awareness and stricter adherence to traffic rules, reinforcing its commitment to making the country’s roads safer for everyone.

Driving under the influence remains a serious traffic offense. The BCTA has raised concerns over increasing accidents attributed to human errors such as speeding, reckless driving, distractions, and negligence. An official from the BCTA emphasized that many accidents could be prevented if drivers strictly adhered to traffic laws and exercised caution.

In addition to unsafe driving behaviors, concerns have also been raised about improper loading of freight vehicles, which poses risks to both drivers and other road users. According to BCTA regulations, Section 178 mandates that freight vehicles must have their loads securely fastened and not exceed the loading capacity specified in their registration certificates. This measure is intended to prevent cargo from shifting or falling, which can lead to accidents.

Sections 179, 417, and 418 detail additional safety provisions. Section 179 ensures that materials such as sand and gravel are securely transported without spillage. Section 417 sets the maximum height of loads for medium and heavy vehicles at cabin level, while Section 418 requires light vehicles to adhere to weight and height restrictions to maintain vehicle stability and reduce the risk of accidents caused by overloaded or improperly stacked cargo.

In a bid to reduce road accidents and ensure public safety, the traffic police are making concerted efforts to raise awareness and strictly enforce traffic regulations. They have been monitoring pedestrian behavior and identifying risk-prone areas. By keeping track of pedestrian movements and causes of traffic violations, authorities aim to implement more effective measures to enhance road safety.

The traffic police have also been conducting sensitization programs in schools, educating students on traffic discipline, safe road-crossing practices, and the importance of using designated pedestrian crossings. These programs encourage young students to act responsibly and contribute to a safer road environment.

The BCTA has clarified that authorities or authorized personnel will not be held liable for damages to vehicles or offloaded cargo resulting from enforcement actions. This provision highlights the importance of compliance with loading regulations and the responsibility of transport operators to adhere to safety standards.

With the auto demerit system set to be implemented on January 1, 2025, a driver’s license will be automatically canceled if the individual is caught multiple times violating traffic laws. Authorities continue to urge drivers and transport operators to abide by these regulations to enhance road safety and minimize preventable accidents.

To reduce accidents, the traffic police have issued essential guidelines for all motorists. Drivers are urged to stop their vehicles in a safe location before making or receiving phone calls. Using mobile phones while driving remains a leading cause of distractions and road mishaps. Additionally, the police have emphasized the dangers of driving without a valid license, as untrained drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and others.

The authorities have also highlighted the importance of understanding and adhering to speed limits, particularly in densely populated areas or near schools, where exceeding speed limits increases the risk of accidents.

An awareness program on road safety and vehicle regulations has provided valuable insights to drivers, especially those operating heavy vehicles. Thinley Dorji, a heavy vehicle driver, shared his experience, stating that the program taught him about critical regulations, including load capacity. “I learned more about proper parking guidelines and the maximum load capacity that we are allowed to carry. This knowledge is crucial in ensuring road safety and preventing unnecessary wear and tear on vehicles,” he said.

Gyembo, a veteran driver with 35 years of experience, emphasized the importance of adhering to load regulations. He noted that many experienced drivers might not be fully aware of updated regulations. He believes regular awareness programs and training sessions should be conducted to educate drivers on load capacity rules, road safety measures, and vehicle maintenance practices.

With increasing traffic and stricter enforcement of transport laws, initiatives like these are crucial to ensuring road safety in Bhutan. The BCTA and traffic police remain committed to fostering a culture of responsible road use through continuous awareness campaigns and stringent enforcement of traffic regulations.