Causes of road traffic accident along naubise-Narayanghat road axis and challenges to respond

Abstract

The Naubise-Narayanghat, a vital transportation road to Kathmandu Valley, faces RTAs frequently due to driver’s behaviour, fragile geography, poor infrastructure and extreme weather condition. This study examines the primary causes of RTAs and the challenges faced while responding and the measure to make effective rescue operation. The study has adopted qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach through surveys, KIs, interview, FGD and field observation methods. The data has been descriptively and thematically analyzed to uncover factors involved. Accidents and casualties’ rates are found to be fluctuating over the period of five consecutive fiscal years from 077/78 to 081/82. Motorbikes dominate the accident involvement with 40% followed by truck/tanker with 18% and car/jeep with 16 %. Driver’s behavior, and poor road conditions are key contributors to road accidents. Drivers’s error remains responsible for 61% accidents while poor road conditions accounts 21%. The finding consistent with Combination Theory highlighting multiple interdependent factors contribute the road accident. Among driver’s behaviour, excessive speed found to be responsible for 68% of accident. The study also highlights the challenges in emergency response, including the lack of resources, insufficient trained personnel, lack of information, extrication difficulties, hilly terrain and complex Trishuli River, weather condition, and lack of road safety law. Multidisciplinary approach includes enhancing traffic law enforcement, improving road infrastructure, implementing modern technologies, conducting road safety awareness programs to reduce traffic road accidents. Findings emphasize that advanced resource management, centralized information system, a comprehensive road safety law, sufficient trained manpower are indispensable to improve post-accident response. By addressing both the causes and response challenges, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on road safety and disaster management in Nepal, with broader implications for other high-risk road networks in low income countries. Keyword: Accident, driver’s behavior, response challenges, road safety, strategies