Addressing Traffic Congestions: A Call to Become

a Social Change-maker

Traffic congestion has emerged as a critical social issue affecting

urban areas and mass people globally. Rapid urbanization,
overpopulation, and increased vehicles have led to the escalation of
traffic jams, resulting in severe economic, environmental, and health
consequences. It is found that in specific developing societies like
Dhaka’s economy lost Tk.56000 core in 2020 due to traffic
congestion. In 2018 Dhaka traffic wasted 5 million work hours and
cost the economy Tk.37000 core. This study was done by the
Accident Research Institute of BUET (Liaquat, 2022). In addition,
developed societies like the US lost the cost of productivity caused
by congestion is $87 billion (FUTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT,
2019). Except for the economic situation if we look at health
consequences we can find many health issues such as chronic lung
diseases, high blood pressure to rise and inflame the arteries, heart
attack, and stroke risk. Blood pressure goes up with increased traffic
pollutants, and electrocardiogram changes show decreased blood
flow to the heart (Kumar, 2023). Also, Traffic congestion affects the
environment, a study by the European Commission Statistical Pocket
2021 says in their report that road freight transport accounted for
27.2% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 (Andersson, 2023). It
can be said that this issue is not merely an inconvenience but a
systemic problem with far-reaching implications for societies.

For any society time and productivity is the main key to being
successful and developed. But traffic congestion wastes both of these

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two. People get tired and their productivity gets wasted by waiting
for a long time in traffic congestion. If we do a time series analysis
on a developing society like Dhaka, we can see that In 2022, more
than 8 million working hours were lost on Dhaka roads every day,
compared to 5 million working hours a day in 2017 (Rahaman,
2023). As a result, society's development gets stuck. Also, it
increases air pollution, road accidents, and increased stress levels
among commuters. Due to air pollution expose to air pollution from
traffic contributes to respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Also,
traffic congestion instigates drivers to drive fast and break traffic
rules as a result many accidents occur. A country that is higher in the
topic of traffic congestion is also a victim of high air pollution. By
studying some statistics we can easily understand that. If we consider
a specific developing society like Dhaka, we can see that it has been
ranked as the fifth worst city in the world in 2023 in terms of traffic
in the global database Numbeo's Traffic Index by City 2023 (Desk,
2023). According to AQI Dhaka has been ranked second as the most
polluted major city (Most Polluted Cities, 2023). Also, road
congestion not only raises fuel usage but also results in higher
emissions of carbon dioxide, outdoor pollution, and longer exposure
time for passengers. So it is easily understandable that air pollution
and traffic congestion are connected as well as road accidents. So as
a major prevention of being developed society, the society should
solve the problem.

As a social change maker, I intend to support a long-lasting

transportation option. Since I am aware that quick urban growth is a

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factor that leads to traffic blockage, I will endeavor to develop and
allocate resources toward intelligent urban development concepts.
One more reason is the rising number of vehicles owned by
individuals, so I am going to advocate for public transportation for
this explanation and support different ways of commuting like biking
and strolling. To prevent traffic congestion, I would identify date-
over modes of transportation and initiate legal proceedings against
them. Additionally, I would require every driver to have a basic level
of education. Furthermore, it should be compulsory for them to
possess traffic regulations associated with education. I would create
regulations about the number of people allowed to be alone in their
vehicles during the workday and mandate, it would be required that
at least 75% of the seats in the vehicle must be occupied. I propose
creating a designated lane specifically for rickshaws and bicycles
while removing the possibility of allowing auto-rickshaws on the
highway or main road. No traveler can board the bus and no bus can
transport any traveler other than at the bus stop. Additionally, I
would ensure that traffic controllers uphold traffic regulations
correctly without resorting to unethical methods and also authorities
follow proper driving tests.

The suggested actions aim to establish a transportation system that is

more effective and long-lasting, which will have positive impacts on
society in various ways. Decreased traffic congestion will result in
better air freshness, reducing the occurrence of breathing illnesses
and boosting overall community well-being. Furthermore, reduced

travel duration and fuel usage will result in cost savings for
individuals and businesses. Getting an education would assist in

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acquiring knowledge and instilling morals within drivers, which in
turn would lead to a reduction in the number of traffic rule offenses.
The inclination to surpass and sustain fast velocity would also be
reduced, leading to a decrease in accidents. People would buy fewer
vehicles because of the requirement for at least 75% of the seats to be
occupied. Due to having designated paths for bicycles and rickshaws,
there would be a reduction in disorderliness on the street. Moreover,
because of the bus stoppage strategy, there would be a decrease in
unruliness on the street. The advantages will apply to the
environment, as reduced emissions and fuel usage match worldwide
attempts to address climate change. In the end, the beneficial effects
of these actions will lead to a society that is easier to live in and more
able to adapt to challenges.

Even though the motives are honorable, trying to tackle traffic

congestion as a catalyst for societal transformation poses certain
difficulties. Opposition to change, insufficient facilities, and
governmental obstacles can hinder the adoption of eco-friendly
transportation options. To overcome these difficulties, there is a need
for thoughtful cooperation with government officials, campaigns to
involve the public, and the development of a sustainable commuting
mindset. It would be challenging to adapt to cultural commuting
because car owners are not accustomed to using public transportation
or carpooling with others. However, spreading public knowledge and
helping them comprehend the drawbacks of traffic congestion could
be beneficial. Public knowledge could be increased through TV
adverts, films, and books related to education. Furthermore,
successfully maneuvering through the complexities of city

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development and obtaining financial support for enhancing
infrastructure will be crucial hurdles. By expecting and proactively
tackling these challenges, I aim to establish a smoother and less
crowded urban environment that is more environmentally friendly,
showcasing the positive impact of creating social change. Business
individuals might establish obstacles to pursuing legal proceedings
against individuals because of transportation issues. By collaborating
with government officials and utilizing awareness initiatives, this
issue could be reduced.

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References
Andersson, L. (18 April, 2023). Road freight environmental impact.
Retrieved from rouvia:
https://rouvia.com/blog/environmental-impact-freight-
transportation#:~:text=Road%20freight%20environmental%
20impact&text=A%20truck%20emits%20ca.,CO2%20emiss
ions%20and%20air%20pollution.

Desk, T. (5 April, 2023). Traffic Index: Dhaka has 5th worst traffic
in world. Retrieved from Dhaka Tribune:
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/308347/tra
ffic-index-dhaka-has-5th-worst-traffic-in

FUTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT. (7 Mar, 2019). Retrieved from

World Economic Forum:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/03/traffic-
congestion-cost-the-us-economy-nearly-87-billion-in-2018/

Kumar, D. V. (31 Jul, 2023). How Sitting In Traffic Jam Can Harm
Your Health - Dr. Vivek Kumar. Retrieved from Fortis:
https://www.fortishealthcare.com/blogs/how-sitting-in-
traffic-jam-can-harm-your-
health#:~:text=Aside%20from%20chronic%20lung%20disea
ses,blood%20flow%20to%20the%20heart.

Liaquat, Z. B. (16 March, 2022). The economic cost of Dhaka’s

insane traffic. Retrieved from DhakaTribune:
https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/265726/the-
economic-cost-of-dhaka%E2%80%99s-insane-traffic

Most Polluted Cities. (31 December, 2023). Retrieved from IQAir:

https://www.iqair.com/world-air-quality-ranking

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Rahaman, M. Z. (9 Nov, 2023). Traffic gridlock and financial loss.
Retrieved from NewAge Opinion:
https://www.newagebd.net/article/217159/traffic-gridlock-
and-financial-
loss#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20more%20than%208,cent%
20are%20office%20going%20passengers.

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