Nepal Automobiles Association Proposes Road Safety Policies for Political Manifestos

Kathmandu: The Nepal Automobiles Association (NASA) has submitted a set of suggestions to political parties, urging them to include policies related to automobiles, sustainable roads, and safe transport in their election manifestos.

In a suggestion letter issued on Sunday, the association highlighted that the daily occurrence of accidents on the country's roads is leading to a large number of untimely deaths and increasing disabilities among citizens. According to United Nations data, approximately 8,000 people lose their lives in road accidents in Nepal annually, while Nepal Police records place this figure at around 2,500.

The association maintains that road accidents represent a serious violation of human rights and consumer rights. It stated that addressing these issues is essential to ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property, promote economic development, and guarantee the constitutional right to live with dignity.

The document mentions that approximately 100,000 people are injured annually due to road accidents, many of whom become permanently disabled due to spinal cord injuries. According to World Bank estimates, road accidents cause an annual loss of more than three percent to Nepal's economy.

The association has demanded the immediate passage of the Road Safety Act, timely amendments to the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, and the formation of an empowered National Road Safety Council. Furthermore, it emphasized the need to allocate sufficient budget to make public transport safe, reliable, and modern.

Under safe road infrastructure, the suggestions include making structures mandatory for pedestrians, cyclists, and persons with disabilities, implementing special safety standards for roads near schools and hospitals, and conducting regular road safety audits.

Regarding vehicles, the demand includes importing only high-quality vehicles with low emissions, implementing a mechanical testing system for vehicles, and arranging organized bus parks, parking, and charging stations in major cities. It also mentioned that the driver's license distribution system should be made scientific, transparent, and internationally recognized.

Similarly, to ensure the safety of road users, the association urged for an increase in traffic police personnel, mandatory use of high-quality helmets for motorcyclists, and the assurance of the state's direct responsibility in post-accident rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation.