Road accidents in the Far West rising; one year sees 146 deaths

JUL 04 -

As many as 146 people were killed in road accidents in the Far West in the past one year. Authorities concerned said pitiable road conditions, reckless driving and geographical terrain are reasons that trigger the fatal crashes.

Data available at the Regional Traffic Police Office in Attariya, Kailali, show that the death toll in traffic accidents in the Far West is on the rise.

The Gwani bus crash on Tuesday is the fourth major road accident in the region in a month.

The four incidents have left a total of 39 people dead and 77 others injured.

“In the past one year, 89 were killed in 150 road incidents in the region. The death toll hit 146 in 113 different road mishaps so far this fiscal year,” said DSP Pramod Kharel.

Kharel admitted that the toll is mounting despite regular security checks and various awareness programmes.

He said the number of road accidents in the region is on the rise in the hilly area as there has been a significant rise in the number of vehicles that ply, while the road conditions remain the same.

He said police have identified 43 accident-prone areas and that they have urged the Department of Roads to keep boards in such places that will warn the drivers.

Transport entrepreneurs admitted that road transportation has become increasingly unsafe in the Far-West. They blamed government apathy for the same.

“The main reason for the road accidents to rise is irregularities while issuing driving licences,” said Gopal Singh Bhandari, the chairman of Mahakali Bus Entrepreneurs’ Committee. He said incompetent persons who acquire licences by bribing officials are often found driving vehicles

Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/07/04/national/road-accidents-in-the-far-west-rising-one-year-sees-146-deaths/356565/