Reckless driving and underage drivers are the two major reasons behind the recent spike in road accidents in Dhaka, according to South City Mayor Sayeed Khokon.

His remarks came on Saturday, when the South City Corporation launched a traffic awareness campaign with the Bangladesh Scouts.

Reckless driving is now rampant in the capital, said Mayor Khokon before adding, “The second reason is underage drivers. Most of the drivers are between 12 and 14 years old.”

Referring to recent incidents of sexual harassment of females in public transport by drivers and assistants, he said stringent actions were needed to stop the menace.

Pointing out lack of awareness as a reason behind accidents, the mayor said, “I often spot people crossing the streets while speaking on phones and some even do that wearing earphones.”

Vowing to address the issue, he said the city authorities wanted strict implantation of law.

“Fatalities and injuries in road accidents are alarmingly high. Many incidents are even not reported. Some recent incidents have shaken the nation,” he said referring to the death of a student, who had lost a hand to reckless driving of buses.