KATHMANDU: The period between mid-May and mid-June has seen an increase in road accidents compared to the preceding 30-day period.

According to Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, Ramshahpath, as many as 432 vehicles were involved in 259 road accidents in the month-long period ending mid-June, whereas the preceding period beginning mid-April saw 246 road accidents.

MTPD data showed that the peak accident hour is between 6pm and 6am. High speed, carelessness of the drivers and drunken driving have been attributed for the high accident rate.

In the latter month, six people died in accidents while 65 were seriously injured. Sitapaila recorded the highest number of accidents: 23; followed by Maitighar, 21, and Gongabu, 20. Other mishap hotspots are Kalanki, Satdobato, Gwarko, and the airport area.

In the period, Kathmandu witnessed 337 accidents, Lalitpur 69 and Bhaktapur 26.

In the Valley, 47 accidents occurred due to reckless driving, 36 due to pedestrians' fault and 31 due to overtaking. Some 25 accidents

were caused by drunken driving, 49 by overspeeding and 29 by engine failure.

"Careless driving among youths is the main cause of road accidents," said Bibhuti Raj Pandey, DSP, MTPD.

Limited road length and uncontrolled rise in the number of vehicles is another reason for accidents.