Turning crash data into practical action
Reliable crash data is fundamental to understanding where and why collisions occur and identifying the interventions most likely to prevent them.
With support from ADB, TRL and its project partners initially deployed TRL Software’s cloud-based iMAAP crash data management system across five RHD divisions. The system was subsequently expanded across the entire RHD road network, supported by an extensive programme of training and capacity building.
iMAAP provides RHD with a structured platform through which crash information can be collected, managed and analysed. This helps engineers and decision-makers identify high-risk locations, understand collision trends and develop targeted, evidence-based safety interventions.
Training has been delivered to both senior management and field engineers, helping participants understand how the system operates and the institutional processes needed to embed its long-term use. This combination of technology, skills development and organisational support is essential to ensuring that improved data leads to sustained action.
The enthusiasm and engagement shown by RHD engineers throughout the programme have been particularly encouraging. Their commitment will be central to ensuring the system continues to support safer road planning, design and operation across Bangladesh.
Embedding safety throughout the road lifecycle
Alongside the deployment of iMAAP, the assignment has supported RHD in strengthening its approach to Road Safety Audit.
Road Safety Audit provides an independent and systematic assessment of potential safety risks within a road scheme. When embedded throughout the lifecycle of a road, from initial planning and design through to construction and operation, it can help identify hazards before they contribute to collisions.
TRL has supported the development of an updated Road Safety Audit Manual for RHD, drawing on international good practice while reflecting the needs of Bangladesh’s road network. The programme has also produced a roadmap for institutionalising Road Safety Audit within RHD, helping to establish the processes, responsibilities and capabilities required for its consistent application.
To read the Road Safety Audit Manual click here
Discussion at the Dhaka workshop demonstrated a strong interest in how these outputs can now be translated into practical action on Bangladesh’s roads.
Bangladesh is taking bold steps to improve road safety and infrastructure resilience. TRL is proud to be working alongside the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Bangladesh to bring international best practice, proven digital tools and practical expertise to initiatives that can make a real difference for millions of people.
The interest and discussion at the dissemination workshop were extremely encouraging. The next step is to build on this progress, ensuring that better crash data and stronger Road Safety Audit processes are consistently translated into effective interventions across the road network.
Supporting wider transport improvements in Bangladesh
This assignment forms part of TRL’s wider programme of work with national institutions and international development partners in Bangladesh.
Under the World Bank-funded Bangladesh Road Safety Project, TRL is providing Project Assistance Consultancy to RHD, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Bangladesh Police and the Directorate General of Health Services. This work is supporting improvements in highway safety, traffic enforcement, driver training and post-crash emergency care.
TRL has also implemented its iROADS asset management platform for the Local Government Engineering Department, which manages more than 350,000 kilometres of rural roads and thousands of bridges. The platform will support a more proactive, data-driven approach to maintaining this vital infrastructure.
Together, these programmes demonstrate how trusted data, proven technology, capacity building and long-term institutional support can help strengthen road safety and transport asset management.
I would like to thank ADB, RHD, DevConsultants Limited, Experion Technologies and all the colleagues and partners who have contributed to the programme over the past several years.
Better data enables better decisions, and better decisions help create safer roads.
To find out more on TRL’s work in Bangladesh, or to discuss how TRL can help your road network, or to arrange a demonstration of iMAAP or iROADS contact us at enquiries@TRL.co.uk
