417 killed in road accidents in September

A total of 417 people were killed and 682 injured in 446 road accidents across the country in September, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation released on Saturday.

Among the dead were 63 women and 47 children. The report noted that motorcyclists accounted for 151 deaths (34%), while 112 pedestrians (26.8%) and 56 drivers and assistants also lost their lives.

The victims included 49 students, 18 businessmen, 9 sales representatives, 7 teachers, 6 political leaders or union council members, and 3 journalists.

Geographically, Dhaka division recorded the highest number of casualties, with 124 deaths in 128 accidents. Chattogram accounted for 24% and Rajshahi for 18.83%, while Barishal had the lowest toll with 14 deaths.

In addition, 17 waterway accidents claimed 21 lives with 6 missing, and 29 railway accidents killed 27 and injured 13.

The foundation identified 11 major causes of accidents, including faulty vehicles, poor road conditions, reckless speed, unskilled drivers, irregular working hours and wages, and weak traffic management.

It recommended initiatives to train skilled drivers, enforce regular working hours and pay, construct service roads on highways, install road dividers, and end extortion in public transport.