Kathmandu: In the span of 11 months in the current fiscal year (2022/23), a total of 9,683 road accidents in the Kathmandu Valley (including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts) claimed the lives of 178 individuals, as reported by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office. Additionally, 242 people suffered serious injuries, while 7,363 sustained minor injuries from these accidents.

Motorcycle and scooter accidents accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 93 individuals losing their lives. Pedestrians were also severely affected, with 56 deaths recorded. Among the deceased, 35 men and 43 women belonged to the age group of 17-35 years.

Various factors have contributed to these accidents, including driver negligence, overspeeding, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, adverse weather conditions, and technical problems with vehicles.

The high number of accidents and resulting casualties highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the Kathmandu Valley. Efforts should be made to raise awareness among drivers and pedestrians, enforce traffic regulations more strictly, and address the identified causes of accidents. By prioritizing road safety, it is possible to prevent further loss of life and reduce the number of injuries caused by such incidents.