Dhaka:Nearly 300 families have been completely wiped out in road accidents across Bangladesh over the past six years and ten months, with an increasing number of crashes killing multiple members of the same family traveling together, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the report covers the period from January 2020 to October 2026 and highlights incidents involving motorcycles, autorickshaws, private cars, microbuses, ambulances, and buses. The RSF compiled the report using information from nine national dailies, 17 online news portals, electronic media, and its own data.
Motorcycle accidents accounted for a significant number of fatalities, with 193 accidents resulting in the deaths of both husbands and wives, totaling 386 lives lost. Additionally, 159 motorcycle accidents involving fathers and children claimed 318 lives. Autorickshaw accidents were involved in 525 incidents, resulting in 1,728 fatalities across multiple family members.
Microbus accidents accounted for 186 crashes, claiming 708 lives, while private car accidents resulted in 108 incidents and 352 deaths. Ambulance accidents were responsible for 45 incidents, with 162 fatalities. Bus accidents caused 32 incidents, resulting in the deaths of 85 family members. A pickup van accident resulted in four family members' deaths.
The report identifies several factors behind these tragedies, including the tendency of families to travel together, autorickshaw use on highways, and poor vehicle fitness. It also highlights issues like driver incompetence, fatigue, and traffic rule violations.
To prevent such tragedies, the RSF recommends enforcing helmet use for motorcyclists, strengthening traffic laws, constructing road dividers, and improving road designs. The report calls for better monitoring and institutional transparency, as well as education and awareness programs to boost traffic safety compliance.
The report was signed by Road Safety Foundation Executive Director Saidur Rahman.