Tragic Toll: 11 Vehicle Accidents Claim 8 Lives in Far West During Dashain

Dhangadhi: The festive spirit of Dashain in Far West took a somber turn this year as 11 vehicle accidents marred the celebrations, resulting in the loss of eight precious lives. State Traffic Police Office Attariya reported this disheartening statistics, underlining the need for increased road safety measures.

The accidents, which occurred from October 15 to October 25, claimed the lives of eight individuals, a significant increase compared to last year's Dashain. Data revealed that this year, nine people sustained injuries in vehicle accidents, with a total of 1,757 drivers facing penalties for traffic violations. Remarkably, traffic enforcement efforts have yielded approximately NPR 10 lakhs in revenue.

Comparing this year's Dashain to the previous year, it's evident that both revenue collection and traffic enforcement activities have intensified. Last year, during the same period, the provincial traffic police recorded 12 vehicle accidents, which led to five fatalities and 19 injuries. Additionally, they took action against 1,974 drivers, collecting a substantial NPR 17,900,000 in revenue.

The surge in accidents during Dashain is attributed to the increased number of passengers, road conditions, and the state of vehicles. Drivers and passengers, driven by the desire to maximize earnings, sometimes exceed passenger capacity, contributing to the rise in accidents and loss of lives. It's crucial to note that responsibility for every accident doesn't solely lie with the driver, as mechanical road conditions and vehicle upkeep also play significant roles in accident occurrences.

Despite the annual increase in traffic accidents, ensuring road safety remains a collective responsibility. Tragically, when a driver loses their life in an accident, the case often ends without addressing the larger factors at play. A comprehensive approach to road safety that considers infrastructure, vehicle condition, and responsible driving is essential to curb the rising toll of accidents during festive seasons like Dashain.