Lawmakers emphasize technology, public awareness and law enforcement for road safety

Kathmandu, May 12: Lawmakers and members of the Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives have stressed the need for technology-driven monitoring, effective public awareness and stricter enforcement for traffic laws to reduce rising road accidents across the country.

In the Committee's meeting here today, they suggested installing digital warning systems in vehicles that alert drivers when they exceed speed limits. 

They also said that road safety initiatives should be integrated with modern technology to improve monitoring and prevent accidents.

Committee Chairperson Ashish Gajurel shared that around 3,000 people die every year in road accidents in Nepal, highlighting the urgency to properly enforce road safety policies.

Likewise, lawmaker Basana Thapa called for more impactful public awareness programmes on road safety. 

Referring to the ban on night transport in Karnali Province, she said that it had helped reduce accidents but its impact on daily life should be assessed.

Another lawmaker Rajendra Kumar Rai observed that increasing use of mobile phones and listening to music while driving have also contributed to rising road accidents. He stressed the need for better driver discipline and awareness.

Parliamentarian Gopal Sharma highlighted the need to improve rural roads, minimize road accidents. He also pointed out the need to expand road infrastructure in Karnali Province to ensure safer nighttime travel.

Asha Jha urged timely completion of road construction projects while Raju Pandey called for a comprehensive review of road safety laws enforcement. He argued that expanding the use of modern technology would be more effective than simply increasing manpower for road safety. 

Also speaking in the meeting, Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, mentioned that landslides have posed additional challenges to road safety. He added that roadside advertisements contribute to road accidents and drew the attention of the local government to better manage local road network.

Road safety expert Bhagawati Sedhai said making helmets mandatory for passengers on two-wheelers could help reduce fatalities and injuries. She also suggested using good-quality helmets that meet safety standards.

Sedhai further recommended increasing the number of traffic police and forming a dedicated 'Road Safety Council' to strengthen the country's road safety system. (RSS)