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

As many as 394 people were dead in 398 road accidents across the country in September this year, according to data compiled by the Road Safety Foundation. Among the casualties, 48 were women and 53 were children. Road Safety Foundation, a non-government organization, prepared the report based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, and electronic media, according to a press release. Also read: 496 killed, 681 hurt in accidents in September: Jatri Kalyan Samity Among the casualties of road accidents across the country, 151 (38.32 percent) were motorcyclists; 16 (4.06 percent) were bus passengers; 15 (3.80 percent) were riders of trucks, covered vans, pickups; and 68 (17.25 percent) were riders of three-wheelers like CNG, easybikes, and autorickshaws. According to the Road Safety Foundation's analysis, 139 (34.92 percent) accidents occurred on national highways, 183 (45.97 percent) on regional roads, 49 (12.31 percent) on rural roads, 22 (5.52 percent) on urban roads, and 5 (1.25 percent) in other places. Also read: 3 people, including SI, die in separate road accidents in Dinajpur The report reveals that in September, Dhaka division saw the highest number of accidents, with 121 reported accidents resulting in 116 fatalities. Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of accidents, with just 20 incidents, while Mymensingh division had the lowest number of fatalities, totaling 23. At least 17 people were dead and 21 were injured in 23 accidents in the capital city Dhaka, Road Safety Foundation data shows. The organization identified several factors contributing to the high number of casualties on the country's roads, including, reckless driving, slow-moving vehicles on highways, absence of fixed pay and working hours for drivers, inadequate traffic management, limited capacity of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and prevalence of extortion within the public transport sector. According to Road Safety Foundation, 378 lives were lost in 403 road accidents across the country in August. Also read: 378  people die in 403 road accidents in August: Road Safety Foundation

As many as 516 people died and 812  were injured in 559 road accidents throughout Bangladesh in June this year, according to the latest report of Road Safety Foundation (RSF). The report released today says that 169 people were killed in 207 motorcycle accidents across the country — 33.75% of the total deaths. Among the dead, 78 were women and 114 children. Nine people were dead and seven were missing in nine waterways accidents while at least 18 people were killed and eleven were injured in 21 railway accidents during the same period. At least 38 sacrificial animals were also killed in accidents during this period. Three killed in road accidents in 2 districts RSF prepared the data based on reports published by nine national dailies, seven online news portals and electronic media. At least 99 pedestrians were killed in road accidents, which is 19.18 percent of the total deaths. Some 76 drivers and their assistants were killed, which is 14.72 percent of the total deaths. 408 deaths in 491 road accidents in May: Road Safety Foundation According to RSF's observation and analysis, the highest number, 247, (44.18%) of the accidents occurred on regional roads, 182 (32.55%) on national highways, 59 (10.55%) on rural roads, and 3 (0.53%) on urban roads. Bank official among 2 dead in Kushtia road accidents On the other hand, 268 (47.94%), the highest among the total accidents, occurred due to losing control over the wheel, 109 (19.49%) due to collision, 97 accidents (17.35 percent) happened due to pedestrians being run over, 72 incidents (12.88 percent ) involved hitting the rear side of vehicles, and 13 (2.32%) occurred due to other reasons.  

In May, there were 491 road accidents in the country, leaving 408 people dead and 631 injured. Of the deceased, 67 were women and 78 children. As many as 141 people were dead in 156 motorcycle accidents, accounting for 34.55 percent of the total deaths. The motorcycle accident rate is 31.77 percent. As many as 104 pedestrians were killed in accidents, which is 25.49 percent of the total fatalities, according to a press release of the Road Safety Foundation. Also Read: Probe committee formed over Sylhet road accident that killed 15 The Road Safety Foundation has prepared the report based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals and electronic media. Seventy-two drivers and their assistants were dead in road accidents last month, which is 17.64 percent of the total. During this period, four people were killed and two were missing in six boat accidents. Twenty-three people were killed and six injured in 25 railway accidents, said the release. Also Read: Bangladesh receives $858 mln World Bank fund for agriculture growth, road safety According to statistics on vehicle-based deaths in accidents, 141 motorcyclists and pillion riders were killed (34.55%); bus passengers killed were six (1.47%); truck, covered-van, pickup, tractor, trolley, lorry, tanker riders killed were 36 (8.82%); private car, microbus, ambulance riders dead were 18 (4.41%); 68 three-wheeler passengers (easy bike, auto-rickshaw, mishuk) riders dead (16.66%); 15 (3.67%) killed in locally modified vehicle (Nosimon-Karimon-Mahindra-Brickbhanga machine cars) accidents; and 20 (4.90%) were killed in bicycle-rickshaw-rickshaw van accidents. Also Read: 487 deaths in 439 road accidents in Feb: Road Safety Foundation According to the Road Safety Foundation's monitoring and analysis, 165 (33.60%) of the accidents occurred on national highways, 201 (40.93%) on regional roads, 73 (14.86%) on rural roads, 48 (9.77%) on urban roads and 4 (0.81%) in other places, it said.  

As many as 524 people including 73 children were killed and 821 others injured in 467 road accidents across the country in June. Of these, 204 people died in motorbike accidents alone during this period, which is 38.93% of the total fatalities, Road Safety Foundation said its latest report released on Monday. Besides, 107 pedestrians, 86 drivers and their assistants were killed in the accidents . Also read: RSF releases monthly accident statistics On the other hand, waterways accidents claimed at least nine lives with 16 injuries. Besides,16 were killed and four injured in train accidents across Bangladesh last month. Road Safety Foundation prepared the report based on the reports of nine national dailies, seven online news portals and electronic media. Of the total accident, 159 accidents occurred on the national highways, 174 on regional roads, 72 on rural roads, 56 on city roads and six in other places, said the report. According to the report, 25.05% accidents occurred in Dhaka division, 15.41% in Rajshahi, 16.48% in Chattogram, 14.34% in Khulna, 9% in Barishal, 2.78% in Sylhet, 10.49% in Rangpur and 6.42% in Mymensingh divisions. Also read: Road crashes claim 376 lives during Eid holidays: RSF The highest number of accidents recorded in Dhaka division as 139 people died in 117 accidents while 14 people died in 13 accidents in Sylhet division, which is the lowest compared to other divisions, said the report. The RSF pointed out several major reasons behind the increasing trend of road accidents. The reasons include - faulty vehicles; reckless driving; desperate mentality, incompetence and illness of drivers; unsettled wages and working hours; prevalence of low-speed traffic on highways; reckless motorcycling by the youth; the tendency of flouting traffic rules, poor management of traffic; lack of efficiency of the BRTA; and extortion in the sector. The RSF urged the authorities concerned to address the issues and take necessary initiative to fix those.

The number of road accidents refuses to come down, despite periodic enforcement drives by police. As many as 1,674 children were killed in road accidents in the past 28 months (till April 2022), according to the latest report by Road Safety Foundation. According to the report, 331 children were killed in separate crashes while travelling in vehicles from one place to another, which is 19.77% of the total deaths. Besides, 1,027 children were killed while crossing roads or walking along the roads, accounting for 61.35% of the total deaths during the period. Some 48 or about 2.86% of children died in different road accidents while 268 kids lost their lives while on two-wheelers, accounting for 16% of the total deaths, as per the report. During the survey, RSF found that 72 (21.75%) children died as bus passengers, 25 children (7.55%) as occupants of private cars, microbuses and ambulances, 183 as passengers of three wheelers and 51 as passengers of unauthorised three-wheel vehicles.

As many as 589 lives were lost while 647 people were injured in 458 road accidents across the country in March, showing an increase of 13.43% from the month of February, according to a report. Besides, at least 19 people were killed in five waterway accidents while 17 others killed and eight others injured in 11 train accidents during the period. Road Safety Foundation (RSF), an organisation that campaigns for safer roads, on Monday revealed this information in a new report on accidents on Bangladesh’s roads this year. Also read: Road accidents claim 166 lives, Covid 85 in Bangladesh in March: BHRC The report was prepared based on accident news carried by seven national dailies, five online news portals and electronic media. On average, 19 people were killed in a day in the month of March while the average rate per day was 16.75 in the month of February, the report said. Besides, the total number of motorcycle accidents was 221 during the last month, which is 38.42 per cent of the total accidents. According to the RSF findings, at least 162 pedestrians were killed in road accidents, which account for 27.50 percent of the total deaths. Some 73 drivers and their assistants were also subjected to road fatalities and that is 12.39 percent of the total deaths. According to the RSF report, 167 accidents occurred on national highways, 179 on regional highways, 68 on rural roads, 39 on city roads and five accidents occurred in others places. Also read: 20km long tailback on Dhaka-Ctg highway following road crashes The Dhaka division witnessed the highest number of accidents with 23.93% from 25.54% while accidents while Sylhet experienced the lowest number of accident and casualty with 5.94% deaths from 5.67% accidents.

As many as 413 lives were lost while 532 people were injured in 379 road accidents across the country in November last alone, according to a report. Besides, at least nine people were killed and five went missing in seven waterway accidents while 13 people killed and two others injured in 11 train accidents during the period. Road Safety Foundation (RSF), an organisation that campaigns for safer roads, on Saturday came up with the data in a new report on accidents on Bangladesh’s roads this year. The report was prepared based on accident news carried by seven national dailies, five online news portals and electronic media. Also read: 2 killed, 10 injured as train ploughs into bus & auto in Ctg port city As per the RSF report, 407people were killed in 346 road accidents in October last.

As many as 119 lives have been lost on Dhaka city roads in 114 accidents from January to November 25 this year. Road Safety Foundation, an organisation working to ensure safer roads, came up with the data in a new report on accidents that occurred on Dhaka city roads this year on Sunday. According to the report, of the deceased 62 were passersby, 33 were motorcycle drivers and riders and 24 were passengers of other vehicles like bus, rickshaw, paddle van, auto van, etc. A total of 172 vehicles were involved in these road crashes. Most of the accidents occurred at night, 34.21 percent to be precise, while 20.17 percent occurred around early morning, 18.42 percent in the later part of it and 14.03 percent in the afternoon, said the Road Safety Foundation. Read: Notre Dame College student dies being hit by DSCC truck Reasons of the accidents Road Safety Foundation in its report mentioned 12 causes for the accidents that occurred in the city. It said reckless speed, weak traffic management, unruly competition between bus workers to take passengers, having no bypass road for the city and allowing heavy goods-laden vehicles after 10 pm till morning made the city roads accident-prone. While too much motorcycle movement, lack of speed monitoring system on flyovers, lack of quality public bus service and increased use of rickshaws, unplanned urbanization, and insufficient roads, lack of awareness, lack of usable foot-over bridges and underpasses at necessary places are also pointed as the reason for the road crashes.  Read: After Notre Dame student, now motorcyclist crushed under DNCC truck Suggestions RSF suggested decreasing the population of the capital city through decentralization of administration to reduce the number of accidents on roads. It also suggested separate public transports according to the economic classes of the city dwellers to discourage movement in private vehicles. Along with that, separate lanes for public transports, developing the traffic system, stopping extortion and corruption at the public transport sector, and proper implementation of the Road Safety Act, 2018 may decline the number of lives lost on the roads annually, said RSF.

A man, his daughter and granddaughter died Tuesday, as a truck piled into a CNG auto-rickshaw in Chiwra, an area of Chauddagram in Cumilla. The deceased were identified as Md Hanif, his daughter Mery Begum, and  granddaughter Mehzabin. Yasin Prodhania, Fire Service and Civil Defence in-Charge of Chauddagram, said the driver of the truck lost control of his vehicle and hit the auto-rickshaw hard- killing Mery on the spot and injuring four others. Also read: Three killed in Cumilla road crash After being taken to the hospital, doctors declared two more dead, said Prodhania. Road accidents in Bangladesh Road accidents in Bangladesh claim hundreds of lives every year. At least 484 people were killed and 673 others injured in as many as 427 road accidents in January this year. According to Road Safety Foundation (RSF), the accident rate increased by 25.58 percent while fatalities rose by 8.76 percent in January compared to the same period last year. Also Read: Bangladesh's roads remain perilous; 37,170 killed in 5 years At least 445 lives were lost in 340 road accidents in January 2020, according to RSF. In a report released in February last year, the World Bank said Bangladesh needs to invest an estimated $7.8 billion over the next decade to halve its road crash fatalities. The report attributed the high death rate on Bangladesh’s roads to a lack of investment in systemic, targeted, and sustained road safety programmes.