281 people lost their lives on the roads in 13 days of Eid pilgrimage

The Road Safety Foundation has released information on the number of fatalities in horrific accidents on the country's roads, railways and waterways in the 13 days before and after Eid-ul-Azha. A total of 281 people were killed and 837 were injured in 292 road accidents in the country from May 21 to June 2. This resulted in an average of 22 deaths per day.

According to the report, almost half of the total fatalities occurred in motorcycle accidents. During this period, 124 people were killed in 141 motorcycle accidents, which is more than 44 percent of the total deaths. The report mentions that 34 women, 48 children and 37 pedestrians were among the deceased.

According to the division-wise statistics, the highest number of accidents and fatalities occurred in Dhaka division. 101 people died in 95 accidents here. On the other hand, Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of fatalities. The Road Safety Foundation says that reckless speeding, defective vehicles, incompetence of drivers and poor traffic management are the main causes of accidents.

At the same time, 8 people were killed and 15 were injured in 13 accidents on waterways. 17 people were killed and 9 were injured in 22 accidents on railways. The Road Safety Foundation has emphasized on long-term integrated transport planning, increasing the capacity of railways and waterways and strengthening road safety systems to ensure safe travel during the Eid season.