15 deaths on road a day in October, motorcycle fatalities lead the surge

Road crashes claimed at least 441 lives and left 1,128 people injured across Bangladesh in October, according to a report released by the Road Safety Foundation on Wednesday, November 19.

The monitoring organisation recorded 486 accidents nationwide during the month, based on reports from nine national newspapers, seven online news portals, electronic media, and its own field data.

The analysis shows a worrying rise in fatalities. While an average of 13.9 people died in road accidents per day in September, the figure climbed to 14.7 deaths per day in October — an increase of 5.75%.

Among the victims, 57 were women and 63 were children, highlighting the devastating impact on families.

Motorcycles remain the deadliest risk

The report notes that motorcycles accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 137 deaths in 192 crashes—representing 31.6% of total deaths and 39.5% of total accidents.

Pedestrians were the second-largest casualty group, with 98 deaths (22.22%), followed by 62 drivers and assistants (14.5%).

Accidents on waterways and rail tracks

Beyond road collisions, the report recorded:

9 boat-related accidents that killed 11 people, while 4 remain missing

46 railway accidents, resulting in 43 deaths and 12 injuries

Where accidents are happening

Road type analysis shows:

166 crashes on national highways

148 on regional highways

87 within cities

81 on rural roads

4 in other areas

Division-wise, Dhaka topped the list with 121 accidents and 112 deaths, while Sylhet recorded the lowest number with 26 accidents and 24 fatalities.

Speeding, behaviour, and lack of awareness blamed

According to the Foundation, excessive speed and loss of vehicle control remain the leading causes of road crashes. The report emphasises the need for:

Automated speed monitoring

Modern enforcement systems

Structured and mandatory driver training

It also warns that reckless driving and low awareness among pedestrians are contributing to the rising death toll.

To reduce fatalities, the organisation urged the government to launch a nationwide awareness campaign across traditional and digital media, focusing on road discipline, shared responsibility and safety culture.