Inland Waterway Transport Accident Analysis of Bangladesh: Based on Location, Time, and Regression Approach

Abstract

Riverine Bangladesh, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas within the South Asian continent, boasts an extensive network of waterways. These water bodies encompass various features, including small hill ranges, meandering seasonal creeks, canals, picturesque rivers, and numerous tributaries. Numerous cities and ports have been established on both sides of these rivers. These waterways are intricately woven into the fabric of the country's civilization and agricultural system, serving as a vital mode of communication and cost-effective transportation for goods.  In this context, it is important to acknowledge that waterway accidents have long been a recurring issue in Bangladesh. Many individuals suffer injuries, and fatalities, or go missing each year due to maritime accidents. When a major maritime accident occurs, there is a temporary outcry, and both the media and concerned authorities conduct brief investigations. However, this research delves into the analysis of accident data from 1995 to 2019, aiming to identify the key factors contributing to accidents by applying multiple linear regression theory in various mathematical configurations. The model's validity has been affirmed through the utilization of diverse datasets. Furthermore, the study unveils accident-prone regions and presents a time-based breakdown of accident occurrences, offering a comprehensive understanding of accident patterns. The insights garnered from this study can potentially guide stakeholders and relevant authorities in making informed decisions to proactively mitigate waterway accidents. Finally, this study offers recommendations for reducing the number of accident path planning and accident avoidance and a theoretical foundation for driver assistance systems.