Road accidents claim over 35,000 lives in 5.5 years: Road Safety Foundation
Among the deceased, 5,103 (14.42%) were women, and 4,785 (13.52%) were children
The country witnessed 32,733 road accidents from 2019 to June 2024, which left 35,384 people dead and 53,196 injured, according to the latest data from the Road Safety Foundation.
Among the deceased, 5,103 (14.42%) were women, and 4,785 (13.52%) were children.
Additionally, 5,261 drivers and assistants lost their lives, making up 14.86% of the total casualties.
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Motorbike accidents claimed the lives of 11,593 individuals, accounting for 32.76% of the total fatalities, while pedestrian deaths stood at 8,358 (23.62%).
The report indicated 587 waterway accidents resulting in 1,021 deaths, with 582 people injured and 369 reported missing.
Rail accidents during this period totaled 1,228, with 1,403 deaths and 1,269 injuries.
Motorcyclists and riders accounted for 11,593 (32.76%) deaths, bus passengers 1,915 (5.41%), and goods-laden vehicle passengers (trucks, pickups, etc) 2,511 (7.09%).
Additionally, 6,080 (17.18%) people were killed in three-wheeler accidents, and locally-made vehicle accidents claimed 2,357 lives (6.66%).
The report classified 20.90% of the accidents as head-on collisions, 37.17% due to loss of control, and 26.36% involving collisions with pedestrians. Additionally, 13.24% involved rear-end collisions, and 2.30% resulted from other causes.
The majority of accidents occurred on national highways (36.48%), followed by regional roads (35.73%), rural roads (15.46%), and urban roads (12.14%).
Dhaka division recorded the highest percentage of accidents (24.96%) and fatalities (24.89%), followed by Chattogram with 18.54% accidents and 18.50% fatalities, and Rajshahi with 14.52% accidents and 14.15% fatalities.
The report also revealed that 57,533 vehicles were involved in these accidents, including 14,620 goods-laden vehicles, 12,361 motorcycles, and 10,890 three-wheelers.
The report was compiled based on data from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, electronic media, and the foundation's own information.
Experts warn that the ongoing trend of road accidents poses a severe threat to public safety and the economy, urging the government to enhance road safety measures.
