FEATURES NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

By Apil R. Bohara

THE increasing number of vehicles has caused an increase in traffic accidents. While the vehicle numbers are increasing in geometrical proportion the roads are being constructed at a snail’s pace. Many agencies directly and indirectly are involved in mitigating traffic burdens and bringing the horrific traffic situation to some semblance of sensible road behaviour. Yet, it is also true that, it is difficult to solve this problem in a short period or with limited efforts.

Accidents

In Nepal every year, more than 1000 people lose their lives in traffic accidents. Just this fact depicts the serious problems we have on the roads, specially in cities like Kathmandu, which sees an increase in the number of vehicles and people as well. There are 3,50,000 vehicles registered at the city office. Considering the narrow roads and the small area that the city is built in, these are vehicles too many for a country like Nepal.

Records have shown that vehicle drivers always want to ply their vehicles on the road by hook or by crook forgetting their responsibility to make the roads safer for themselves and for others.

It may be amazing for people to know that two thirds of vehicle drivers have no idea about traffic signs and rules. They are only responsible for their unawareness but vehicle owners also indulge in inviting this kind of puzzling situation by neglecting traffic regulations and other road safety measures.

Similarly, our license issuing system is also extremely unscientific and impractical and it is helping in adding to the traffic accidents indirectly.

In Kathmandu Valley, there has been an unprecedented trend in traffic accident. Accidents occur more during working days when the traffic is heavy. Accidents also occur when holidays are near and mostly youngsters tend to drive under the influence of alcohol.

There is no doubt the scenario is grim and it will take efforts from all side, including the co-operation of all the people, to make our roads safer, but traffic authorities are confident accidents can be minimised with stringent regulations and their effective implementation.

The Valley Traffic Police (VTPO) plays a crucial role in creating traffic awareness among the people in Katmandu where immense traffic accidents have been occurring. The recent programme initiated by the VTPO to create awareness among school children regarding traffic regulations and other road safety measures, has proved to be very effective. This programme should be extended so that more people are made aware of road safety, for themselves and for others.

Traffic awareness classes, observation of traffic day, refreshers course in traffic regulations and correction classes have been organised at VTPO to create awareness among pedestrians, drivers and also the traffic police themselves.

Records reveal that motorcyclist and taxi drivers are more responsible in violating traffic rules. VIPO has been organising correction classes to create awareness among these reckless drivers and ensure they realize their mistakes so that they won’t repeat such mistakes in the future. Any person who has driven or walked in the streets of this city, can vouch that motorcycles and taxis are some of the biggest culprits in over-stepping traffic regulations and road safety measures.

VTPO has been organizing traffic week programmes since a long time to curb the traffic hazards in Kathmandu. It is experienced that to organize traffic week in a smooth and effective manner it is a really colossal task and it requires the involvement and cooperation of all. VTPO’s solo efforts though extremely appreciated, it is difficult for this police organisation alone to tackle this problem. The lack of proper co-ordination among different agencies further escalates traffic problem.

However, at present, during the Traffic Week which is being conducted, it is encouraging to see the participation of different sections, including schools and NGOs, in helping the traffic police create road awareness.

One factor that greatly contributes in creating traffic snarl-ups is the fact that while the load bearing capacity of Kathmandu Valley roads is only for one lakh twenty thousand vehicles, one hundred and eighty thousand vehicles have been registered at the Bagmati Transport Office. The poor infrastructure of roads, sharp bends, innumerable intersection, junctions and encroachment of roads, makes further complicated the situation in Kathmandu.

It is reported that in Kathmandu Valley the numbers of accident are higher than in the rest parts of Nepal. This is not surprising, but it can be said that the root cause of increasing traffic accidents is the lack of traffic awareness, both among drivers and also pedestrians.

That is why, the VTPO, to create traffic awareness among road users, has once more organised the traffic week that is going on now, but this time in a more comprehensive and expanded manner. And this has been effective in spreading rays of awareness.

Safer Road

The participation of students, NGOs, INGOs, government officials, transport entrepreneurs and other relevant agencies has helped this traffic week become more effective. School students are taught about road safety measures. Vehicle owners and drivers seem to be joining hands with traffic police in maintaining road regulations. The major point is, the participation of all is required to make our roads safer.

Other Stories