124 Accidents Caused by Driving Under Influence in Last Vaisakh Month Result in 12 Deaths

May 24, Kathmandu – The Nepal Police have reported that during the last Vaisakh month, 124 traffic accidents occurred across the country due to driving under the influence of intoxicants. These accidents resulted in 12 deaths and 174 injuries. Within the Kathmandu Valley alone, 37 such accidents took place in Vaisakh, causing 2 deaths and 50 injuries, informed Central Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Avin Narayan Kafle.

According to him, in Koshi Province, 35 accidents due to intoxicated driving led to 2 deaths and 53 injuries. Madhesh Province recorded 20 accidents with 27 injuries. Bagmati Province saw 12 accidents resulting in 1 death and 19 injuries. Palpa Province experienced 5 accidents with 4 deaths and 3 injuries. Lumbini Province had 9 accidents with 3 fatalities and 15 injuries. Karnali Province reported 3 accidents causing 3 injuries, while Sudurpashchim Province also had 3 accidents with 4 injuries, the police added.

Highlighting the increasing risk of traffic accidents due to substance consumption, Spokesperson Kafle urged all drivers to strictly adhere to traffic regulations. He emphasized that driving under the influence has become particularly prevalent during nighttime hours, public holidays, and festival occasions. He stated, “Driving under the influence is not only a legal offense but also an extremely dangerous act that endangers human lives.”

The traffic police have recently intensified campaigns to control intoxicated driving nationwide. Stringent traffic checks are being conducted especially in urban areas, highways, busy intersections, and during nighttime. Drivers caught under the influence are being prosecuted according to law, alongside initiatives to raise public awareness, said Navaraj Adhikari, Chief of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and Senior Superintendent of Police. He added, “The traffic police continuously conduct awareness programs urging all drivers and the general public to avoid intoxicated driving and to be responsible for safe travel.”

According to Adhikari, intoxication impairs a driver’s decision-making ability, complicates vehicle control, and increases tendencies to speed, thereby substantially raising the risk of accidents. He urged all drivers to maintain full vigilance and strictly follow traffic rules while driving.