Bangladesh sees rise in road accidents, deaths in October: RSF
137 people died in 192 motorbike accidents
As many as 441 people including 63 children were killed and 1,128 others injured in 486 road accidents across the country in October, according to a report of Road Safety Foundation (RSF).
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of accidents at 121, resulting in 112 deaths, the RSF report released today (19 November) said.
The report noted that the number of fatalities and accidents rose compared to September, increasing by 24 deaths and 40 accidents, respectively.
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The RSF prepared the report based on the reports of nine national dailies, seven online news portals and electronic media.
Among the deceased, 137 people died in 192 motorbike accidents, accounting for 31.06% of total fatalities, though this figure was six fewer than in the previous month.
The deceased also included 98 pedestrians, 56 drivers and their assistants.
Besides, nine waterways accidents claimed at least 11 lives, with four missing.
Besides, 43 people were killed and 12 others injured in 46 accidents involving trains across Bangladesh last month.
Of the total accidents, 166 accidents occurred on the national highways, 148 on regional roads, 81 on rural roads and 87 on city roads, said the report.
According to the report, 24.89% accidents occurred in Dhaka division, 11.52% in Rajshahi, 21.39% in Chattogram, 13.16% in Khulna, 6.37% in Barishal, 5.34% in Sylhet, 11.31% in Rangpur and 5.96% in Mymensingh division.
Sylhet division saw 26 accidents with the lowest 24 deaths during the same period, said the report.
The RSF identified several key factors behind the rise in road accidents, including faulty vehicles, reckless driving, drivers' incompetence or illness, unsettled wages and working hours, low-speed traffic on highways, risky motorcycling by youth, frequent violation of traffic rules, poor traffic management, inefficiency of the BRTA, and extortion in the transport sector.
The RSF urged the concerned authorities to take necessary measures to improve road safety across the country.
