Dhaka, Jan 1 – At least 4,284 people, including 516 women and 539 children, were killed and 9,112 others were injured in 3,472 road accidents across the country in the last year. The fatal accidents took place on the several highways and national, inter-district and regional roads across the country between January 1 and December 31 in 2017.
The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR), a non-government organization, on Monday revealed the information in its yearly survey and observation report 2017.
The report was prepared on the basis of 22 national dailies, 10 regional newspapers and eight online news portals and news agencies, the release said.
According to the report, the number of road accidents and casualties had increased in 2017 in comparison with 2016. A total of 3,412 people, including 470 women and 453 children, died and 8,572 others injured in 2,998 road accidents in 2016.
The report shows that the number of road accidents was increased by 474 in 2017 than 2016 while the number of death was increased by 872.
As a result, the number of accidents had increased by 15.82% and death toll by 25.56% in 2017 in comparison with 2016.
According to the NCPSRR report, a total of 6,823 people, including 781 women and 762 children, were killed and 14,026 others were injured in 4,592 road accidents in 2015.
As a result, the report shows that the number of road accidents had reduced in 2017 than 2015.
The NCPSRR mentioned nine vital reasons for the accidents and casualties at present time.
These are: Reckless driving, increase of three wheeler-vehicles and motorbikes on roads and highways, passengers and goods carrying in local made mechanized small vehicles, overloading and overtaking violating rules, not-following traffic rules on long-routes, including in densely populated areas, long-time driving without interval, remarkable number of risky turns and dilapidated roads, plying of unfit vehicles and finally, employing unskilled driver without license.
Ashis Kumar Dey, general secretary of the national committee said that the lack of proper supervision and control of both the government and non-government authorities concerned and t lack of general people’s awareness were the major reasons for large numbers of road mishaps. – GW News Desk
