Proposal for road accident study

Title page

                         PROPOSAL

A STUDY ON THE CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF ROAD ACCIDENTS IN
NEPAL

Submitted to:
The Director
Nepal Road Safety Foundation, Kathmandu

Submitted by:
Er. Asim Thapa
Research Officer
Pulchowk Campus, Lalitpur

20 October 2026

Abstract

Road accidents are a major cause of death in Nepal, with more than two thousand people losing their lives every year, as reported by the Nepal Police. Most victims are young and working-age people, so the loss to families and to the nation is great. This proposal seeks funds for a one-year study of the causes of road accidents on the highways of Nepal. The study will analyse police and hospital records for the last five years, observe ten accident-prone sections, and survey 300 drivers. The expected result is a clear list of causes (human, vehicle, road and environment) and practical recommendations for reducing accidents. The estimated cost of the study is Rs. 6,10,000.

Introduction

Nepal's roads are mostly narrow, steep and winding, and the number of vehicles has increased very rapidly in the last two decades. Overspeeding, careless overtaking, drunk driving, old vehicles, poorly designed roads and weak traffic enforcement are often blamed for accidents, but there is little reliable research that explains which causes are most important in which places.

Statement of the problem. Accidents continue to rise, but preventive measures are mostly based on guesswork rather than evidence.

Objectives. (1) To identify the main causes of road accidents on Nepal's highways; (2) to locate the most dangerous sections and times; (3) to suggest practical measures to reduce deaths and injuries.

Scope. The study covers five major highways and the period of the last five years. It does not study city roads in detail.

Method in brief. Document study, field observation and questionnaire survey, followed by analysis and a final report.