Unveiling the Severity of Road Accidents in Bangladesh

This research examines the severe public health challenge posed by Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) in Bangladesh. Analyzing data from 2015 to 2023, the study reveals a staggering toll: 50,432 accidents resulting in 69,514 fatalities and 123,125 injuries. The calculated case fatality rate (ranging from 18% to 36%) starkly contrasts with rates for other major health crises like COVID-19 (1.44%) and Dengue (0.45%), underscoring the disproportionate severity of RTAs. Modal share analysis identifies "Truck-Pickup-Cavard Van-Lori" (TPCL) as the predominant vehicle type involved in accidents for most years, though a recent surge in motorcycle licenses has shifted this trend. Key contributing factors include driver negligence, speeding, defective vehicles and roads, mobile phone use while driving, inadequate traffic management, and low public adherence to traffic laws. While new legislation has been introduced, the paper emphasizes the critical need for its effective enforcement, the development of a sophisticated national accident database, and the urgent implementation of comprehensive interventions—including awareness campaigns, engineering improvements, and stricter penalties—to mitigate this escalating crisis and enhance road safety in Bangladesh.