Saksham Kumar Malla,

Department Of Civil Engineering, Pulchowk Campus

Nepal’s roads, stretching from the crowded streets of Kathmandu to the winding highways of the hills and plains, continue to tell a tragic and repetitive story. Despite years of infrastructure expansion and rising vehicle ownership, road accidents remain one of the country’s leading causes of unnatural death, turning daily travel into a life-threatening activity for thousands of citizens.

Bus collided with a parked truck on the East-West Highway in Banke

According to recent government records, Nepal witnesses more than 11,000 road accidents annually, claiming over 1,200 lives each year. On average, 60–70 accidents occur every day, resulting in six to eight fatalities daily. These numbers reflect not isolated incidents but a systemic crisis embedded in road design, driving culture, enforcement, and public awareness.

A Growing Problem Despite Development

In the first six months of the current fiscal year (2024/25), more than 11,300 road accidents were reported nationwide. While vehicle numbers and road length have increased significantly over the last decade, safety measures have not kept pace. The result is a transport system where speed often overtakes safety and urgency replaces caution.

Provincial data highlights the seriousness of the issue. Koshi Province alone recorded over 400 road-related deaths within a year, with similar trends seen in Bagmati and Lumbini provinces. Highways connecting major cities, as well as rural and hilly roads, have repeatedly been labeled “accident-prone zones,” yet effective corrective action remains limited. Asian Transport Observatory reports shows that the major percentage of road accidents is shared by Light Duty Vehicles (LDV) followed by Motorized transportation means.

Road crash fatalities share by road user

Why Are Nepal’s Roads So Dangerous?

Traffic police and transport experts point to several key factors for being Nepal’s roads dangerous:

· Driver negligence remains the primary cause. Over-speeding, drunk driving, reckless overtaking, mobile phone use while driving, and violation of traffic rules account for the majority of accidents.

· Poor road conditions further intensify risks. Narrow carriageways, sharp bends, lack of road markings, insufficient lighting, and damaged surfaces, especially during the monsoon season make driving hazardous, particularly in hilly regions.

· Motorcycles, which make up a large share of Nepal’s vehicle population, are involved in the majority of accidents. Many riders fail to use helmets properly, carry multiple passengers, or lack adequate training.

· Weak enforcement and limited accountability also play a role. Although fines and traffic checks exist, inconsistent enforcement and public disregard for rules continue to undermine safety efforts.

The Human Cost Behind the Statistics

Beyond numbers lie painful human stories—families losing breadwinners, children losing parents, and survivors living with permanent disabilities. Road accidents place a heavy burden on the healthcare system and cause significant economic losses due to medical expenses, lost productivity, and long-term rehabilitation.

Many victims are young adults, students, and working professionals, making road accidents not just a transport issue but a major public health and development concern.

The Way Forward

Experts argue that reducing road accidents requires a comprehensive approach:

· Improved road engineering, including proper signage, guardrails, pedestrian crossings, and safer road geometry

· Strict and consistent traffic law enforcement, especially against speeding and drunk driving

· Public awareness and education, starting from schools and extending to community programs

· Better emergency response systems, ensuring timely rescue and trauma care

Nepal’s roads do not have to remain synonymous with danger. With strong political commitments, driving behavior, and sustained investment in safety, the repeated “accident-prone” story can be rewritten.