It is common knowledge that the roads in Nepal are not safe for driving. Pedestrians, cyclists, children, and the elderly are among the most vulnerable road users. Notably, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has one of the largest networks of roads in Nepal. There are rules and regulations in place for easy driving, but the so-called intellectuals living in the capital have their own driving rulebook, it seems. They hardly bother with traffic lanes and signs.
Peter Friedman, a friend of mine from Germany, once talked about traffic in his native country. According to him, there are no traffic police on the roads there. Traffic moves smoothly with just the help of traffic lights. No bullying is needed on the road, because people are aware of their driving lanes. Vehicles are registered in an organized way, speed photography camera and speed limit signs are installed on roads, so that the lawbreakers don’t escape. The sound of horn is hardly heard. In fact, if any one blows the horn, it becomes a matter of surprise. Traffic updates on radios help maintain low pressure on roads. Vehicles stuck in traffic jams are very patient. No driver stops over zebra-crossings, because they know that it is made for pedestrians. Since pedestrians are slower than motor riders, priority is given to the pedestrians. Public vehicles are friendly to disabled people. There is no air pollution and drivers are equipped with seat belts and proper documents.
REPUBLICA
Traffic is not as organized in Nepal. Rather, Nepalis enjoy blowing their horns whenever possible, no matter whether they are near a hospital or school. The speed limits and lanes on the roads have no meaning. No turn signals are given, and it is almost a matter of pride to stop vehicles over zebra-crossing. Public buses are always in a rush, like ambulances in an emergency, and nobody dares talk to the drivers. Most youngsters seem to think they are superheroes, so rules do not apply to them.
The traffic system of Kathmandu is becoming a joke. Street vendors are seen selling their goods on footpath as if it is the natural right of Nepali citizens, and cattle rest in the middle of the road. Construction materials like bamboo, rods, sand and stone are dumped openly on the road, without proper safety signs or permission from locals. Riders often have no idea what they are going to encounter on the road. The Department of Road and line agencies are careless about damaged roads, open pits, gigantic manholes and hanging electric cables, which cause disturbances in traffic regulation.
According to World Health Organization, around 1.24 million people die from road accidents around the world. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 years, and 91 percent of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low-income and middle-income countries, even though these countries have only half the world’s vehicles. Half of those dying on the world’s roads are “vulnerable road users”: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Only 28 countries, representing 416 million people (7 percent of the world’s population) have adequate laws that address all five risk factors of driving (speed, drunk-driving, helmets, seat-belts and child restraints). Road traffic crashes are predicted to result in the deaths of around 1.9 million people annually by 2020.
Basic traffic rules are defined by an international treaty, the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. But not all countries are signatory to the convention. Even among the signatories, local variations may be found in its application. There are rules for traffic management in our country, but few pay attention to them. The traffic system is not compatible to the growing number of vehicles in cities, and limited parking zones are becoming a big issue. Time and again, Nepal traffic police have launched traffic programs for road safety, but failed to monitor and maintain them regularly, so the careless and reckless persons are able to violate the law every time.
Bizarrely, hit and run cases are becoming minor issues. Reckless drivers escape after hitting pedestrians, and victims are further victimized by rescuers. Police personnel are not where they are supposed to be. They seem to be around early in the morning and late in the night when traffic is low.
For better traffic management, there are some steps which can be taken. Special lanes should be constructed for bicycle riders and pedestrians. Issues like noise and air pollution should be prioritized. Income generated from fines should be used to upgrade the traffic system, and driving license and registration systems should be modernized. The existing traffic light system should be updated from time to time without waiting for help from donor agencies.
Moreover, traffic education programs should be launched in each school. Public awareness programs initiated in collaboration with local clubs/NGOs and media partners. Highway advisory radio and on-board and off-board navigation devices need to be installed by integrating traffic data with navigation systems. All in all, regulating traffic, reducing the number of accidents, and inculcating a sense of discipline among road users should be Nepal traffic police’s major agenda.
Line agencies, policymakers and road users should be sincere in their respective duties to maintain proper flow of traffic. Most drivers are educated and aware of traffic laws, but are unwilling to follow the rules. Only our collective effort can ensure that traffic is safe and orderly.
The author is a sociologist
girithejorba@gmail.com
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