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Road accident a serious issue in Nepal.


Road accident

Road accidents are indeed a serious issue in Nepal as well as in the whole world. The country has been grappling with high rates of road accidents and fatalities for many years. Several factors contribute to the problem, including poor road infrastructure, reckless driving, inadequate traffic management, lack of enforcement of traffic rules, and a general lack of awareness about road safety among the public. Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to individuals, their families, and to nations as a whole. These losses arise from the cost of treatment as well as lost productivity for those killed or disabled by their injuries, and for family members who need to take time off work or school to care for the injured.


According to the report of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, depicted an huge  figure of deaths and injuries in road accidents, involving motorcycles. On average, 14 deaths occur due to road traffic injuries per one lakh people in Nepal. More males than females die due to injuries suffered during road accidents. The most common type of road traffic accidents in Nepal are motorcycles accidents. Two-wheeler accidents account for 68 % of those killed or injured in the one year period. A large number of peoples those who are involved in road traffic accidents have non-fatal injuries. There were 1102 deaths and injuries for every one lakh people due to road accidents and injuries in this one year .The study show that the females and males from 15-24 age groups are getting more road accidents that might lead to death or nonfatal injuries , in comparison of the other age groups. Similarly, deaths and injuries due to road accidents are higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
 
Nepal’s road infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is often in a state of disrepair, with narrow and poorly maintained roads that lack safety features such as guardrails and street lights. This, coupled with the hilly terrain and adverse weather conditions, poses significant challenges for drivers. Additionally, the rapid increase in the number of vehicles, both private and public, has resulted in congestion and further heightened the risk of accidents. Reckless driving behaviours, such as over speeding, drunk driving, and overtaking in dangerous situations, are prevalent on Nepalese roads. Moreover, the lack of strict enforcement of traffic laws allows such behaviors to persist. Many drivers and riders also disregard traffic signals and fail to follow basic road safety protocols, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.

The consequences of road accidents in Nepal are severe, leading to loss of lives, injuries, and economic burdens. The country has one of the highest per capita rates of road traffic fatalities in the world. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable. The inadequate emergency response system and limited access to healthcare facilities in remote areas also contribute to the challenges faced in providing timely medical assistance to accident victims. Efforts have been made by the Nepalese government and various organizations to address this issue. Road safety campaigns, awareness programs, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws have been initiated to promote responsible driving behavior and educate the public about road safety. Improving road infrastructure and implementing effective traffic management strategies are also important steps towards reducing accidents.

However, combating road accidents requires a multi-faceted approach involving not only the government but also the active participation of citizens, drivers, and pedestrians. It is crucial to prioritize road safety, raise awareness about the importance of following traffic rules, and foster a culture of responsible driving to create safer roads in Nepal.


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