Speed and young riders: Kathmandu’s dangerous obsession

Kathmandu, Dec. 12: Speeding has become a deadly trend in Kathmandu, with mostly young two-wheeler riders leading to fatal road accidents. Despite traffic rules and awareness campaigns, reckless driving continues to claim lives daily, reflecting deeper issues tied to youth, social pressures, and risky behaviour.

In 2024, youth aged between 18 and 35 years have emerged as the most vulnerable to road accidents. Police statistics reveal that in the Kathmandu Valley, 178 fatalities were recorded between August 2022 and mid-2023, with over half involving riders aged below 35. Nationwide, the trend is equally concerning, with high-speed crashes and drink-driving cases consistently adding up to the grim statistics.

“The six-lane road in Bhaktapur has become a major hotspot for accidents due to speeding,” said spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Raut for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office. “Most accidents happen at night, often involving alcohol use. The combination of high speed and drunk-driving makes these roads extremely dangerous.”

One of the primary reasons behind this alarming rise in accidents is the cultural pressure that glorifies risk-taking as a mark of masculinity among young males. Experts suggest that young men, especially those aged between 18 and 25, often feel compelled to prove their boldness and fearlessness, equating it with their identity and social standing. Speeding and performing stunts have become avenues for these young riders to gain validation and respect among their peers.

This problem is further heightened by social media, where risky behaviours like high-speed stunts and weaving through traffic are often recorded and shared. Rakesh Gupta, a resident of Bhaktapur, observes this trend firsthand. “I see many young riders filming themselves on the road, doing crazy speeds and stunts,” he said. “They seem more focused on getting likes and views than on their safety.” The likes, shares, and comments these videos receive act as a form of social currency, encouraging even more dangerous behaviour. The competitive aspect among peers amplifies the risks, turning Kathmandu’s busy streets into stages for reckless displays.

Adding to the crisis is a false sense of invincibility among young riders. Many believe they can handle the risks or that accidents are something that happen to others. This overconfidence often stems from a lack of formal driving training and minimal understanding of the potential dangers of speeding. Mirul Sharma, a regular two-wheeler commuter in Kathmandu, believes that many young riders don’t fully understand the risks they take. “Most of us think we’re skilled enough to avoid accidents or that these things won’t happen to us. It’s only when we see someone we know gets seriously hurt that we realize how dangerous speeding really is,” he said. For many, the consequences remain abstract until they or someone close to them is involved in a serious accident.

Tackling the problem

In Nepal, pilot programmes like mandatory defensive driving courses for repeat offenders in Lalitpur have shown promising results. Efforts to control speeding and reckless driving have seen success in some areas through innovative measures globally. 

In Bhutan, speed bumps and rumble strips installed near accident-prone areas significantly reduced nighttime accidents. Singapore implemented automated speed enforcement zones and zero-tolerance policies for drunk driving, which drastically lowered fatalities, according to news reports. 

The alarming rise in speeding and reckless driving among Kathmandu’s youth demands urgent attention. While the thrill of speed and social validation may seem exciting, the consequences can be devastating and far reaching. Tackling this issue requires stricter enforcement, better driving education, and a cultural shift in how risk-taking is glorified.

After all, “better late than never” is not just an old cliché; it’s a profound reminder that change, no matter how delayed, can still save lives.

(Khanal is an intern with TRN)