Kathmandu, October 25

The Kathmandu Valley has recorded more road fatalities during Dashain this year as compared to the previous years.

According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, as many as five persons were killed and 72 others injured, 12 critically from October 13 (Ghatasthapana) to October 24 (Dwadashi). DSP Rajendra Bhatta at the MTPD told The Himalayan Times that the Valley had witnessed four deaths, 109 minor and three critical injuries during the same period last Dashain.

A traffic policeman died after he met with an accident in Machhapokhari last night. The MTPD said the motorcycle (Ba 37 Pa 9087) Tilak Bastola, a traffic cop stationed at the Metropolitan Traffic Police Circle, New Bus Park, was riding rammed into an electricity police. He is said to be a permanent resident of Kuibhir-3, Okhaldhunga. Critically injured Bastola was rushed to TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, where he died while receiving treatment.

The motorcycle had been seized for violating traffic rules and was being taken to the traffic police office.

However, the number of road accidents decreased to 99 this Dashain from last year’s 109. All road accidents have been attributed to human error. Officials said road fatalities on the roads of the Valley increase during the festive season as motorists are not careful and do not adhere to traffic rules.

DSP Bhatta said the success of the road safety campaign depends on road users and advised them to be aware of the devastating consequences of speeding and negligence.

“If all road users pledge to obey traffic rules and regulations, they can contribute towards saving lives,” he informed. Though the crackdown on drunk driving and unruly drivers have helped minimise the number of road accidents, the trend still exists among reckless drivers, especially motorcyclists. As many as 32,045 drivers were brought to book for driving under the influence of alcohol during 2014-15.