RSF report reveals Tk21,880cr losses occurred due to road accidents in 2024

The financial loss from road accidents in Bangladesh in 2024 is estimated to exceed Tk21,880 crore, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation published on Wednesday (8 January).

This figure represents the human capital lost due to 6,927 road accidents, which claimed 7,294 lives and left 12,019 injured last year.

Women and children accounted for 12.24% (893) and 15.79% (1,152) of the fatalities, respectively.

The organisation prepared its findings based on data from national dailies, online news portals, electronic media, and its own research.

An additional 30% was factored into the calculation to account for unreported incidents, following the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) method.

Despite this adjustment, the RSF noted that much of the information on road accidents remains unpublished.

As a result, the financial loss is likely higher than reported, possibly exceeding 1.5% of the country's GDP. The calculation does not include property damage due to a lack of sufficient data.

Motorcycles accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities, with 2,609 deaths, or 35.76% of the total. Pedestrians made up 21.04% (1,535), while 984 drivers and their assistants accounted for 13.49%. In addition, accidents involving three-wheelers (easy bikes, CNGs, and auto-rickshaws) caused 1,392 deaths (19.08%).

The report also documented accidents involving other modes of transport. In 118 boat accidents, 152 people died, 161 were injured, and 39 went missing. Railway accidents resulted in 324 deaths and 277 injuries across 347 incidents.

Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of accidents and fatalities, with 1,582 incidents and 1,840 deaths, representing 22.83% of accidents and 25.22% of fatalities nationwide. In contrast, Sylhet Division reported the lowest figures, with 435 accidents and 443 deaths.

The Road Safety Foundation's findings highlight the severe financial and human toll of road accidents, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve road safety and reduce economic losses.