In the past six months, the Traffic Police in Nepal has taken stringent action against 39,272 individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol, with an additional 242 individuals found driving under the influence of drugs and facing penalties.
According to data released by Nepal Police Central Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Bhim Prasad Dhakal, the majority of cases involved individuals driving under the influence of alcohol, with specific breakdowns revealing 18,627 cases in the Kathmandu Valley, 2,524 in Koshi Province, 2,021 in Madhesh, 1,098 in Bagmati, 8,923 in Gandaki, 2,773 in Lumbini, 1,264 in Karnali, and 2,042 in Sudur Paschim Province.
The enforcement efforts also extended to drug-related offenses, with 81 individuals in Kathmandu Valley, 28 in Koshi, 88 in Gandaki, 20 in Lumbini, and 25 in Sudurpaschim Province facing penalties for driving under the influence of drugs.
The fines imposed on the traffic violators amounted to a substantial Rs. 40 million in revenue, underscoring the commitment of the authorities to ensure road safety. DIG Dhakal emphasized that the focus on checking drivers for alcohol and drug consumption is paramount in safeguarding passengers, vehicles, and road infrastructure.
Addressing the alarming trend, statistics indicate that driving under the influence of alcohol, particularly during long-distance journeys, has been a significant contributor to sudden and severe accidents. The challenges of limited traffic police presence and areas lacking CCTV surveillance have been identified as factors contributing to increased traffic violations.
Deputy Inspector General Bhim Prasad Dhakal urged all drivers to prioritize road safety, emphasizing that every driver must operate their vehicle in optimal condition to prevent accidents and protect the lives of both themselves and their passengers. The ongoing efforts to curb driving under the influence aim to create a safer and more responsible road culture in Nepal.
01st Feb 2024
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