It is a somber reality that road accidents have become a common occurrence in our society, leading to tragic loss of lives and debilitating injuries. The ever-increasing number of accidents involving motorcycles, in particular, serves as distressing reminders of the urgent need for proactive measures to address this issue. While it is important for riders to take necessary precautions, it is equally crucial for the concerned government authorities to take decisive actions to minimize the rate of accidents. It is high time for the formulation of a Road Safety Council Act and its effective implementation, along with strict monitoring of road safety standards. The statistics presented by the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 2022, acutely show the severity of the situation. Motorcycle passengers are the most likely to die in road accidents, and the death toll is alarmingly high. According to the survey, there are 14 deaths per 100,000 people in Nepal due to road accidents each year, resulting in approximately 4,060 deaths annually. Furthermore, the data from Nepal Police reveals that 5,960 road accidents occurred in the fiscal year 2022/23 alone, with a significant number of fatalities.
Among the victims of these accidents, motorcyclists bear the brunt, accounting for a staggering 68 percent of those killed. This disproportionate risk faced by motorcyclists demands immediate attention from the authorities. The inadequate state of road safety standards exacerbates the problem. According to reports, only 25,000 kilometers out of the total 100,000 kilometers of roads in Nepal meet appropriate road safety standards. This means that the majority of the roads are subpar in terms of safety, posing a grave danger to all road users. To address this crisis, the government should prioritize the formulation and enactment of a comprehensive Road Safety Council Act. This act should establish a centralized body, the Road Safety Council, responsible for overseeing and monitoring the daily road safety situation. At present, the responsibility for road safety is fragmented among multiple agencies, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of coherent action. The Road Safety Council should be empowered to make and enforce road safety laws, streamlining the decision-making process and ensuring effective implementation.
When will it end?
In addition, the government must focus on improving the safety standards of both new and existing roads. It is imperative to conduct regular inspections and assessments to identify and rectify any safety deficiencies. The engineering standards for road construction must be strictly adhered to, particularly for the roads built by local bodies. Currently, only the roads built under the supervision of the Department of Roads meet these standards. To ensure the safety of road users, all roads, irrespective of the authority responsible for their construction, should meet the required engineering standards. Furthermore, it is essential to create awareness among drivers and pedestrians regarding the importance of following traffic rules. Overspeeding, violation of traffic rules, and reckless overtaking are major causes of accidents. The government should invest in comprehensive road safety campaigns to educate the public about responsible behavior on the roads. Emphasizing adherence to lane discipline and avoiding high-speed driving can significantly decrease the occurrence of accidents. This educational effort should be coupled with strict enforcement of traffic rules to discourage violations.
While the onus of road safety lies on multiple stakeholders, including riders, pedestrians, and drivers, the government bears a substantial responsibility to provide safe road infrastructure and enforce regulations effectively. By taking proactive measures such as the formulation of a Road Safety Council Act, ensuring strict adherence to road safety standards, and promoting awareness and education, we can make significant progress in minimizing road accidents and saving precious lives. The ever-increasing number of people who have perished on our roads should serve as a constant reminder of the urgency and importance of this issue. Let us come together as a society, demand change from our government, and work collectively to create a safer road environment for all. The time to act is now, for every life lost on our roads is one too many.
