KATHMANDU: Traffic accidents in the Kathmandu Valley declined significantly during this year’s Dashain festival, with the number of accidents falling from 155 last year to 105 this year. The number of fatalities also dropped from 10 to three.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, accidents decreased by 50 compared to the previous year, while the death toll fell by seven. Traffic police attributed the improvement to advance preparations, increased monitoring, and road safety measures implemented during the festival.
Office spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi said most accidents reported this year involved two-wheelers. He noted that excessive speed often causes drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in accidents.
Subedi said road safety had improved due to the traffic police’s planned approach and preparations ahead of the festival. He added that coordination among transport entrepreneurs, transport workers, and other stakeholders had helped people travel more safely.
“The roads have become safer because traffic police have worked systematically with advance preparations. The combined efforts of transport entrepreneurs, workers, and all stakeholders have helped ensure safer travel for citizens,” he said.
Valley Traffic Police Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle said prompt rescue operations and effective medical treatment following accidents had helped save injured people’s lives. He added that traffic police and other relevant police units had conducted regular safety inspections, monitoring, and joint checks, with road safety remaining a priority.
As vehicle movement increases during the festive season, traffic police had introduced a special safety plan to address the risks associated with speeding and driver negligence. Authorities said checkpoints, intensified monitoring, and the deployment of personnel at various locations had contributed to the decline in accidents.
Despite the encouraging reduction in accidents and fatalities, the continued prevalence of speeding and two-wheeler-related incidents highlights the need for sustained road safety efforts. Traffic police have urged drivers to maintain safe speeds, comply with traffic regulations, and exercise caution on the roads.