Kathmandu:A total of 124 people have died in road accidents that took place in the country during the Dashain festival period.
According to National News Agency RSS, 124 people lost their lives while 2,988 were injured in road accidents nationwide. Between October 11 and 25, a total of 1,339 road accidents were recorded, resulting in the deaths of 83 men, 39 women, seven boys, and five girls.
Among the 2,988 injured, 437 sustained serious injuries, while 2,551 suffered minor injuries. During this period, the highest number of accidents occurred in Koshi Province with 397 incidents, while the lowest number was recorded in Madhesh Province with 80 incidents.
In addition, 171 accidents took place in the Kathmandu Valley, 112 in Bagmati Province, 97 in Gandaki Province, 161 in Lumbini Province, 171 in Karnali Province, and 150 in Sudurpaschim Province.
Traffic Police noted that motorcycles were the type of vehicle most frequently involved in these accidents, with 1,552 motorcycles involved. Other vehicles involved included 337 jeeps and cars, 207 tempos, 71 trucks and tankers, 64 microbuses, 54 buses, 38 tractors, 15 tipper trucks, 10 heavy equipment (dozers, excavators, and loaders), and 133 other types of vehicles.
Moreover, 5,703 drivers were penalized for violating traffic rules during the Dashain festival period. Among those penalized, 2,794 were driving under the influence of alcohol, 1,882 were carrying passengers beyond the vehicle’s capacity, and 746 were driving at excessive speeds.
With festivals such as Deepawali, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath approaching after Dashain, the traffic police are implementing a special plan aimed at minimizing road accidents and ensuring safe travel across the country.