In the past six months, the Traffic Police in Nepal has taken stern action against 39,272 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol. An additional 242 people were found driving under the influence of drugs during the same period and faced penalties.
The breakdown reveals that among those caught driving under the influence of alcohol, 18,627 were 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.
Penalties for drug-impaired driving included 81 cases in Kathmandu Valley, 28 in Koshi, 88 in Gandaki, 20 in Lumbini, and 25 in Sudurpaschim Province. The fines imposed on these traffic violators amounted to a staggering Rs. 40 million, according to Bhim Prasad Dhakal, the Nepal Police Central Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of passengers, vehicles, and roads, DIG Dhakal highlighted that the focus has been on checking drivers for alcohol and drug consumption. The statistics reveal a concerning trend of driving under the influence of alcohol, particularly during long-distance journeys, leading to sudden and serious accidents.
The challenges of low police presence and limited CCTV coverage in certain areas contribute to a higher incidence of traffic violations. DIG Dhakal concluded, “Every driver must drive the vehicle in the right condition to save his/her life and the lives of passengers from accidents.” The crackdown on drunk driving aligns with efforts to promote road safety and curb hazardous behaviors on the roads.