Bihar Sees Alarming Rise in Child Road Fatalities, Report Finds
Patna : An average of 18 children lose their lives daily in road accidents across Bihar, according to the latest National Road Safety Report. The study, which analysed data from January 2024 to January 2025, highlights a troubling rise in child fatalities linked to road accidents in the state. At a national level, the daily average stands at 43.
The report defines children as those aged between 13 to 21, and the trend over the past three years indicates a steady increase in fatalities. In 2022, the daily average stood at 12, rising to 14 in 2023, before reaching the current figure of 18.
A significant proportion of these accidents involve schoolchildren, particularly near school gates and on their way to or from school. The report points to common risk factors, including riding without helmets, failing to check traffic before crossing, and excessive speeding. Overcrowding in school transport, such as autos, vans, and motorbikes, is also a major contributor.
Additional District Transport Officer (DTO) of Patna, Pinku Kumar, attributed the rising toll to poor adherence to traffic rules and a lack of awareness. “Many adolescents start driving without understanding traffic regulations, which leads to daily accidents,” he said.
