Time Series Analysis of Road Accident Trends in Bangladesh (2014–2024): A Data-Driven Study

Road accidents are a serious problem in Bangladesh, causing many deaths and injuries every year. This study analyzes accident trends from 2014 to 2024 using data collected from national newspapers to capture a more realistic picture. The data were analyzed in MATLAB using basic statistical and time series methods. The results show that accidents peaked around 2018–2019 and have slightly decreased in recent years. However, the Severity Index has increased, meaning accidents are becoming more dangerous. Dhaka and Chattogram are identified as the most high-risk areas, and most crashes involve buses, trucks, and motorcycles. Head-on collisions are the main cause of fatal accidents. A short-term forecast suggests that accident levels may remain stable if no strong safety measures are taken. This study highlights key patterns in road accidents and provides useful insights to help policymakers improve road safety and reduce fatalities.