In Bangladesh, motorcycles, with their ease of navigation and cost-effectiveness, have become a popular mode of transport. However, this preference comes with a significant drawback: motorcycles are at the epicenter of the nation’s road safety crisis. While there was a hopeful decrease in motorcycle-related accidents in the past year compared to 2022, these two-wheelers remain the most common protagonist in the tragic tales of road accidents across the country. The situation is dire, with not only deaths being a common outcome but an increasing number of individuals suffering life-altering injuries, including the loss of limbs. The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR), a vigilant civic organization, illuminates this pressing issue with alarming statistics: from 2020 to 2023, 33-40% of all annual road accidents involved motorcycles. This figure has been on a distressing upward trajectory since the start of this year. According to the NCPSRR, the daily average ranges from 8 to 10 fatalities in 10 to 12 motorcycle accidents—a grim statistic that often escapes the attention of the national media spotlight. The heart of this crisis is attributed to the presence of underage, unskilled, and unlicensed drivers on the roads. The lack of stringent enforcement by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the police has been pinpointed as a contributing factor. Ashis Kumar Dey, the general secretary of NCPSRR, doesn’t mince words when he lists the reasons behind the spike in motorcycle accidents: the proliferation of motorcycles, including many that are unlicensed, and reckless driving habits are significant contributors. Dey strongly believes that both law enforcement and the regulatory body, BRTA, need to intensify their efforts. Motorcycle rider dies in Dinajpur road crash To combat this escalating problem, Dey proposes a comprehensive crackdown on underage and unlicensed riders and unregistered motorcycles. He advocates for the implementation of mobile courts across all districts for three consecutive months, a bold strategy aimed at curtailing the rampant violations contributing to road safety hazards. The Road Safety Foundation (RSF) adds a quantitative dimension to the discourse with its annual report, revealing that in 2023, 6,524 individuals, including 974 women and 1,128 children, lost their lives in 6,911 road accidents across the country. Motorbike riders and pillion passengers comprised a staggering 38.12% of these fatalities. Delving deeper into the data, RSF provides a comparative analysis of motorcycle accidents and fatalities over recent years, presenting a grim narrative of increasing incidents and loss of lives, peaking in 2022. However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the 2023 statistics, showing a 14.83% decrease in accidents and a 19.54% drop in fatalities compared to the previous year. Despite this positive trend, Saidur Rahman, executive director of RSF, remains cautious, warning that this decrease should not be prematurely celebrated as a sign of sustained improvement in road safety. Rahman further elaborates on the challenges at hand, pointing out that motorcycles constitute 71% of all motor vehicles in the country, with a significant portion of these riders being teenagers and young adults. This demographic exhibits a pronounced disregard for traffic laws, exacerbated by a lack of stringent monitoring and enforcement, leading to reckless behavior and tragic outcomes. The discourse takes a critical turn as Rahman highlights the frequent clashes between motorcycles and larger vehicles such as trucks, covered vans, and buses. The drivers of these larger vehicles often lack the necessary skill or are overworked, contributing to their involvement in accidents with motorcycles. The inadequacy of the public transport system and the chronic issue of traffic congestion have further popularized motorcycles as a preferred mode of transport, despite the associated risks. Man hit by motorcycle in Jatrabari dies In a noteworthy development, Rahman acknowledges the role of increased awareness and the efforts of highway police in the recent decline in motorcycle accidents. Abu Raihan Md Saleh, Joint Commissioner (Traffic-North) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, supports this view, attributing the reduction in accidents to the rigorous enforcement of traffic laws. Saleh’s remarks underline the police’s commitment to curbing reckless riding, unregistered bikes, and license violations, although this has led to complaints from bikers about perceived overzealous policing. Saleh also emphasizes the crucial role of parental responsibility in preventing underage and inexperienced individuals from taking to the roads on motorcycles. He expresses optimism that with heightened vigilance from parents and guardians, the trend of motorcycle accidents can be further curbed. This multifaceted crisis of motorcycle safety in Bangladesh calls for a concerted effort from all stakeholders: law enforcement, regulatory bodies, civic organizations, and the community at large. The statistics and stories paint a clear picture of the challenge ahead, yet they also offer a blueprint for action. By addressing the root causes of motorcycle accidents and implementing targeted safety measures, Bangladesh can hope to navigate its way out of this perilous situation, making its roads safer for everyone. Increase vigilance on movement of three-wheelers, motorcycles during Eid holidays: Quader

Around 1,484 people were killed and 2,485 others injured in 1,302 road crashes across Bangladesh in last three till March 31 in 2023. It means, 16 (16.48) people died on average per day during the period. During the period the number of accidents involving motorcycles was the highest. Some 579 people died in 527 motorcycle accidents which are  40.47 and 39.01 percent of total fatalities and accidents respectively, according to a report of Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF) released on Sunday (April 09, 2023). Read: 2 teens on motorcycle killed in Cumilla road accident According to the organization, the report has been prepared based on the information published in 12 Bengali national dailies, five English national dailies, nine online news portals and news agencies and six regional dailies. In the report, the SCRF has recommended maintaining the ban on motorcycle movement on the Padma Bridge and banning his vehicle on all highways during Eid travel to avoid accidents. The report said that maximum 479 accidents occurred in March where 584 people lost lives and 1,102 injured. Lowest 392 accidents resulted in 411 fatalities and 1,102 injuries respectively in February. Besides, 489 people died in 431 road accidents in January. Read: Student killed in bike accident in Dhaka In these three months, maximum 421 accidents occurred on highways which is 32.33 percent of total accidents. Besides, 327 accident occurred on regional roads which is 25.11 percent. SCRF identified 16 causes of road crashes in the report. Unfit vehicles, unskilled and physically unfit drivers, reckless driving, overtaking,  drivers and helpers’ mental exhaustion, non-fixed weekly holiday and working hours. dilapidated roads at different places significant number of risky turning points on national highways and inter-district roads, movement of slow speed three wheelers on highways, lack of capacity of BRTA and the irregularities and corruption of officials and employees concerned and poor traffic management are among those reasons. Read more: Two ninth-graders killed on Sylhet-Tamabil highway as motorcycles collide

Two friends were killed as their motorcycle lost control and fell into a roadside ditch in Durgapur union of Gopalganj sadar upazila on Monday.The deceased were identified as Tarikul Sheikh, 30, son of Bablu Sheikh of Bedgram in Gopalganj municipality, and Apurba Roy, 32, son of Prafulla Roy of Katbarari village in Durgapur union, said Sheikh Md Nasir Uddin, officer-in-charge of Gopalganj Sadar police station.Apurba used to work at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Science and Technology in Gopalganj, while Tariqul ran a business. Also read: Motorcycle Accident Prevention: Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Crash It remains unclear as to which of the two friends the motorcycle specifically belonged to, or who was riding it at the time of the accident.The accident occurred around 3:30pm when their bike lost control while speeding near the busy Gopalganj-Kotalipara road and fell into the ditch, the police officer said. They both died from the severe injuries they sustained, and were duly declared dead by a doctor on arrival at Gopalganj General Hospital, added the OC. Also read: BGB member killed in Bhola road accident

Motorcycles have many features that make them attractive to riders, and they can also be dangerous if not ridden properly. Motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death on the road. According to a research in 2016, motorcycles are responsible for 28% of global fatalities on the roads.  Motorbike accidents can be catastrophic, often resulting in serious injury or death. While there is no guarantee that you will never have an accident if you ride a motorcycle, following some simple safety tips can help reduce your risk of crashing. Let’s check out some prevention tips to help keep you safe on the road. 10 Safety Tips to Minimise the Risk of Motorbike accident Always Wear a Helmet A helmet is your first and most important line of defence in the event of a crash. And can help to reduce the risk of brain injury. In addition, helmets can also help to protect your face from the elements and from flying debris. When choosing a helmet, be sure to select one that meets DOT safety standards and that fits snugly on your head. Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident. Read Motorbike Riding in Winter: How to beat the cold weather? Always Wear Protective Gear In addition to a helmet, wearing other protective gear such as leather or synthetic pants, a jacket, gloves, and boots can help to minimise the risk of injuries in the event of a crash. These simple precautions can help to keep yourself safe on the road. Obey The Speed Limit The speed limit is there for a reason. Obeying the posted limit can help prevent motorcycle accidents. Higher speeds increase the chances of losing control of the bike and make it more difficult to stop or avoid obstacles. In addition, speeding makes it more likely that other motorists will not see the motorcycle in time to avoid an accident. And if an accident does occur, the faster the bike is going, the more serious the injuries are likely to be. So, whether you are out for an easy ride or trying to get somewhere in a hurry, obey the speed limit and help keep everyone safe on the road. Read Top 10 ABS Motorbikes in Bangladesh Be Aware of Your Surroundings Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and often result in serious injuries or even death. In order to help prevent these accidents, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times when riding. Pay attention to the road ahead and be on the lookout for potential hazards, such as potholes, debris, or sudden changes in the weather. If you see something that could potentially cause an accident, slow down and proceed with caution. Use Turn Signals Many people enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with motorcycle riding; this can be dangerous as accidents are all too common. One way to help prevent motorcycle accidents is to use turn signals.  Read How to Choose a Motorbike Helmet in Bangladesh under TK 10000 in 2022 Turn signals give other drivers a heads up about your intentions, and they can help avoid potential collisions. In addition, turn signals can also help you communicate with other riders in your group. So, whether you are going for a leisurely ride or hitting the open road, be sure to use your turn signals to help prevent motorcycle accidents. Stay Visible One of the best ways to prevent motorcycle accidents is to make sure that you are visible to other motorists. Wearing bright clothing and using reflective materials can help to make you more visible, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.  Additionally, mounting reflective strips on your motorcycle can also help to increase your visibility. By taking these simple steps, you can help to make sure that you arrive at your destination safely. Read Best 100cc Motorbikes in Bangladesh in 2022 Avoid Distractions Another effective way to avoid an accident is to stay focused on the task at hand: driving. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. Distractions like cell phones, other vehicles, and even scenic views can take your attention away from the road ahead. That is why it is so important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes on the road at all times. By remaining attentive, you can help make sure that everyone enjoys safe and accident-free roads. Practise Smart Riding Habits As any motorcycle enthusiast knows, there is nothing quite like the feeling of freedom on the open road. However, this sense of freedom comes with a responsibility to practise safe riding habits. It may be tempting to show off your skills, but it is much better to stumble on the side of caution.  Read Motorbike Buyer Guide: Some popular models with price in Bangladesh By following all the rules and safe riding habits, you can help to prevent motorcycle accidents and enjoy many happy miles on the open road. Perform Regular Maintenance Accidents are inevitable. But there are some accidents that can be prevented with a bit of care and attention. Motorcycle accidents, for example, often occur due to negligence on the part of the rider. Improper maintenance of the bike can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, and other problems that can cause an accident. That is why it is important to perform regular maintenance on your motorcycle, including checking the tire pressure, brakes, and engine oil levels. By taking a few minutes to do this simple maintenance, you can help prevent a potentially fatal accident. Read Motorcycle Categories: Different Types of Motorbikes Explained Don’t Drink and Drive Last but not least, riding a motorcycle while impaired can be extremely dangerous. Do not drink and ride under any circumstances. This is agist the law and very dangerous even though you are an excellent rider. Final Words Motorcycle crashes are a common occurrence, and they can be shattering. If you are involved in a crash, remember these tips: stay calm, call emergency if necessary, and wait for help to arrive. Apart from these tips, they always keep you updated with the new laws, roads, and weather conditions. Thus, you can ensure a safe ride for yourself as well as for all. Read The Most Popular Motorbike Models in Bangladesh

A popular bike enthusiast returning home on his two wheeler died after being hit by a speeding vehicle underneath the Banani foot bridge in the capital on Monday night, police said. The deceased was identified as Jamil Ahmed Shubho, 25. He used to host a Facebook group -- Bike BD -- after finishing his higher studies from Southeast University, said his friend Chinmoy. Also read: Dhaka BRT girder tragedy: Preliminary probe report submitted The accident occurred around 11.30pm. "The vehicle hit Shubho’s bike at high speed, leaving him dead on the spot," said Md Nure Azam, officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station. ”The body was recovered and sent for an autopsy. A case has been filed under Road Transport Act, 2018, '' said OC Azam. Also read: Two killed, 20 hurt in road crash on Bangabandhu Expressway

 A local Jubo League leader was killed as a truck hit his bike on Hatikumrul-Bonpara highway at Mohishluti in Tarash upazila on Sunday night.

Two motorcyclists were killed in a road accident in Namajpara area of Rajagaon union of Thakurgaon sadar upazila on Thursday night.

A RMG factory worker was killed and another injured as a pick-up hit a motorcycle in Savar municipal area on Monday morning.

 A motorcycle rider was killed and another was injured when a passenger bus hit it from behind on the Mayor Hanif Flyover in Jatrabari on Thursday afternoon.

Three motorcyclists were killed after a truck rammed their motorbike on Kishoreganj-Bhairab regional highway in Bajitpur upazila on Thursday.