Road crash death toll soars by 1,420

At least 6,582 people died in road accidents across the country in 2014, marking a rise by over a quarter, or 1,420 deaths, from the previous year's toll, reveals a survey of Nirapad Sarak Chai.

The casualties increased despite the government's several moves to ensure road safety--drives against unfit vehicles, repair of spots with engineering faults, and awareness building.

Nirapad Sarak Chai pointed out reckless driving, untrained drivers, poor traffic management, lack of public awareness and law enforcement as major causes of the accidents.

In 2013, the death toll was 5,162, according to the report revealed at Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday. Nirapad Sarak Chai has been campaigning for road safety since 1993.

Of those killed in 2014, at least 4,536 died on the spot and the rest in hospital or after treatment. Pedestrians' death toll surpasses that of passengers.

At least 10,770 people were injured in 2,713 accidents in 2014, while 8,914 were wounded in 2,753 accidents the previous year.

The report says most accidents occurred because of motorcycles and locally-made unfit vehicles like Nasimon, Karimon and Bhatbhati on highways, which collided with high-speed buses and trucks. Faulty engines of vehicles and battered roads were also blamed.

Speaking on the occasion, Nirapad Sarak Chai Chairman Ilias Kanchan said the figures were collected from media reports. He, however, thinks that the actual toll would be higher since many accidents remain unreported.

"So, we demand creation of a special government cell to monitor countrywide road accidents and prepare an accurate database. If we don't have accurate information, how will we address the problem?"

Kanchan demanded punishment for the government officials who create opportunities for operation of unfit vehicles and employment of unskilled drivers.

He recommended training for all drivers, strict enforcement of laws, awareness building and introduction of monthly salaries for drivers instead of trip-based payment.