Bangladesh recorded 16,065 motorcycle crashes between 2020 and July 2026, killing 15,712 people and injuring 14,143, according to a Road Safety Foundation report released Saturday. The report said 2025 had the highest annual totals, with 3,029 crashes and 2,671 deaths. Through July this year, 1,311 crashes had killed 1,177 people.

Heavy vehicles striking motorcycles accounted for 6,314 crashes, or 39.30 percent, while loss of motorcycle control caused 5,497 incidents. Freight vehicles were identified as responsible for 6,481 crashes, and motorcycle riders alone for 5,831. Regional roads recorded the most crashes, 6,689, and 58 percent of those affected were aged 13 to 35.

The foundation cited reckless riding, traffic-law violations, weak enforcement, poor road infrastructure, limited technology and monitoring, inadequate public transport and severe congestion as contributing factors. It recommended safety and monitoring technology, mandatory quality helmets, stricter enforcement, awareness campaigns, safer road infrastructure and affordable, passenger-friendly public transport.