7,963 children died in road accidents since 2020
Photo: AI Generated
Over the past nearly seven years, 7,963 children lost their lives in road accidents. Among them, more than 37 percent died in motorcycle accidents.
Road Safety Foundation confirmed the matter in its report on Wednesday. The report highlighted the picture of child fatalities in road accidents from 2020 to September 2026.
Among the deceased children, 2,193 were passengers in various vehicles. 2,812 children lost their lives as pedestrians. Moreover, 2,958 children were killed as motorcycle drivers and riders.
An analysis of road types revealed another alarming picture regarding child road accident deaths. The highest number of children died on rural roads. On these roads, 2,713 children lost their lives, representing 34.7 percent of total fatalities. 2,082 children died on regional roads and 1,974 children on highways. Meanwhile, 1,194 children lost their lives on urban roads.
Analyzing the accident types of children killed as pedestrians, the report showed that the highest number of lives were lost due to collisions with three-wheelers. 1,271 children died from collisions with vehicles such as CNG-run auto-rickshaws and battery-run auto-rickshaws. 1,126 children lost their lives after being crushed or struck by heavy vehicles.
Moreover, 317 children died in collisions involving private cars, microbuses, ambulances, and jeeps, while 98 children were killed by motorcycles.
An analysis of the time of child deaths indicates that the highest number of accidents occurred in the afternoon. During this time, 2,634 children died, accounting for 33.7 percent of total fatalities. 2,168 children died in the morning and 1,813 children at noon. Meanwhile, 546, 598, and 204 children died during the evening, night, and dawn, respectively.
The report said 2,513 children lost their lives in road accidents while traveling to and from educational institutions. This category accounts for 31.55 percent of total fatalities. On the other hand, 962 children died while playing on roads near their homes.
An age-based analysis reveals that among the deceased children, 1,532 were five years old or younger. 2,884 children aged six to 12 years and 3,547 children aged 13 to 17 years lost their lives. This demonstrates that the number of adolescent child fatalities is also significant.
Road Safety Foundation added that the risk of child fatalities is rising due to the country’s road and transport system not being child-friendly, a lack of awareness regarding safe road usage, the absence of necessary guidance and training in families and educational institutions, and the presence of unskilled and underage drivers.
The lack of adequate medical treatment facilities for children injured in accidents and the financial distress of families further complicate the situation.
The report noted that one of the main reasons for higher child casualties on rural roads is the presence of residences alongside these roads and a lack of discipline in vehicle movement. In many instances, there is no law enforcement presence to control road traffic. At the same time, children lack adequate knowledge regarding rules for safe road usage.
The report, signed by the organization’s Executive Director Saidur Rahman, recommended making the road and transport system safe for children, raising awareness in families and educational institutions, and taking strict action against unskilled and underage drivers.
Moreover, it urged expanding the treatment capacity for accident victims in district-level hospitals, establishing a special government medical fund, and enforcing the Road Transport Act, 2018.
