239 killed and over 4,100 injured in a month; speeding remains the leading cause
KATHMANDU, JULY 23
A total of 4,428 vehicles were involved in road accidents across the country during the month of Ashad (June 15 to July 16), according to data released by Nepal Police.
Motorcycles accounted for the highest number of accidents at 2,505 cases, representing 56.56 percent of the total. Buses were involved in 196 accidents, while jeeps, cars, and microbuses made up 794 cases. Trucks, tankers, and tippers accounted for 286 incidents. Other vehicles involved included 114 tractors, 249 tempos, 262 bicycles and rickshaws, 9 heavy equipment vehicles such as dozers and excavators, and 13 unspecified vehicles.
In terms of timing, out of the 2,922 accidents with recorded time data, the majority occurred in the evening hours. A total of 1,074 accidents (36.76 percent) happened between 6 PM and 12 AM, while 1,046 (35.80 percent) took place between 12 PM and 6 PM. Another 657 accidents (22.48 percent) occurred in the morning from 6 AM to 12 PM, and 144 (4.96 percent) between midnight and 6 AM. One accident (0.03 percent) occurred at an unspecified time.
Traffic police issued 152,498 fines during the same period, collecting revenue totaling Rs 120,842,738. The fines were primarily issued for violations such as speeding, driving under the influence, and operating vehicles without a valid license.
Speeding remained the leading cause of accidents, resulting in 1,450 incidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol led to 188 accidents, while driving without a license accounted for 173 cases. There were 143 accidents while pedestrians were crossing roads, and 82 incidents occurred during overtaking maneuvers.
The month also saw a high toll in terms of human casualties. A total of 239 people lost their lives-186 men, 36 women, 12 male children, and 5 female children.
Serious injuries were reported in 625 cases, including 425 men, 136 women, 46 male children, and 18 female children. An additional 3,491 people sustained minor injuries, including 2,377 men, 734 women, 229 male children, and 151 female children.
