KATHMANDU: As many as 1,233 people have lost their lives in road accidents in the first six months of the current fiscal year reflecting a worrying increase in fatalities.

The rise in deaths is attributed to reckless driving and motorists’ failure to fully adhere to traffic regulations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that by mid-Poush 2080 BS, 1,149 people had died in 12,856 road accidents nationwide, whereas the current fiscal year has already witnessed 1,233 deaths in 11,338 accidents.

While the overall number of accidents has decreased in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, the death toll has unfortunately risen.

Ministry spokesperson Ram Chandra Tiwari explained that although the number of accidents increased in the Nepali month of Poush compared to Mangsir, the number of deaths decreased during that period.

In the months prior, road accident fatalities varied significantly.

In Shrawan, 152 people died in 1,628 accidents, and in Bhadra, 174 lost their lives in 1,619 accidents.

Asoj saw 200 deaths in 1,873 accidents, while Kartik had 258 fatalities from 1,928 accidents.

The months of Mangsir and Poush reported 214 and 197 deaths, respectively, despite Mangsir having significantly fewer accidents (252).

The data also reveals regional discrepancies. While the number of accidents decreased in Gandaki, Kathmandu Valley, and Karnali, the number of deaths has risen in these areas.

However, in regions such as Madhesh Province and Bagmati, the number of fatalities dropped despite an increase in accidents.