KATHMANDU:  Road traffic accidents across Nepal claimed 239 lives and injured thousands more in a single month, according to traffic statistics released by the Nepal Police for mid April to mid May of fiscal Year 2025/26.

A total of 2,294 accidents involving 3,338 vehicles were recorded nationwide during the period. Among the deceased were 158 men, 54 women, 17 boys, and 10 girls, while 752 people sustained serious injuries and 3,220 suffered minor injuries.

Motorcycles and scooters were involved in 61.06 percent of all crashes, making them the most accident-prone vehicles on the road.

Speeding remained the leading cause of accidents with 1,253 cases, followed by driver negligence, risky pedestrian behavior, drink driving, and improper overtaking.

Most accidents occurred during peak traffic hours between 6 PM and 12 mid night, accounting for over two-thirds of total incidents.

Despite intensified enforcement, traffic police fined 137,094 vehicles, collecting Rs. 118 million 274 thousands 189 rupees in penalties during the month.

Authorities say stronger reforms and stricter enforcement are needed to improve road safety.