Around 20 killed daily in road crash during Eid travel: Road Safety Foundation

Road accidents during the Eid-ul-Fitr travel period have reached alarming levels, with an average of nearly 20 fatalities per day, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation.

The foundation’s report, covering March 14–28, shows that 373 road accidents across the country claimed 298 lives and injured over 2,000 people. Among the deceased, 46 were women and 67 were children. Motorcyclists were the most affected, accounting for 116 deaths, followed by three-wheeler passengers (50), bus passengers (41), and private cars and microbuses (20).

Analysis by location revealed that 43.16 per cent of accidents occurred on regional roads, 30.83 per cent on national highways, 12.86 per cent on rural roads, and 11.26 per cent in urban areas. Chattogram division recorded the highest share of accidents and fatalities, followed by Dhaka division.

The report cited reckless driving, inexperienced drivers, vehicle defects, traffic violations, weak traffic management, and risky motorcycle use as key causes of accidents.

The Road Safety Foundation urged long-term, coordinated measures, including improved rail and water transport, driver training, vehicle quality enhancement, and strengthened traffic management, to reduce road accidents and enhance public safety.