The country witnessed a surge in motor vehicle accidents in 2023 compared to the past three years. Last year alone saw more than one thousand accident cases. According to data maintained by the Royal Bhutan Police, loss of control and drink driving were the main causes of vehicle accidents in the country.
The country recorded more than 800 motor vehicle accidents in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, more than 700 cases were reported in each year. According to the police, the number of accidents has reduced in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the travel restrictions imposed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the number of accidents increased to 1,060 last year and more than 100 people died in these accidents.
Thimphu recorded the highest number of accidents with more than 200 cases. It was followed by Chhukha and Wangdue Phodrang.
Besides loss of control and drink driving, police report shows that speeding, unlicensed driving and tailgating were other causes.
“Speeding is the most common cause of accidents. It is also drink driving at times,” said Leki Penjor, a driver.
“It could be because of drink driving and the drivers being under the influence of drugs. The licences of the drivers who test positive for drugs during checking are suspended for six months. But it is possible that they will continue to use drugs even after the suspension period when they start driving again,” said Thinley Dorji, another driver.
Records with the police show that in 2023, more than half of the accident cases involved single vehicles with nearly 600 cases. It was followed by more than 300 accidents resulting from a collision of two vehicles and over 50 cases of vehicles hitting pedestrians. There are also over 30 cases of accidents involving motorcycles.
Moreover, out of almost 60 hit-and-run cases, Thimphu saw more than 30, one of the highest in the country.
The Thimphu Traffic Division said they are strictly enforcing highway checking and have procured equipment to strengthen the enforcement.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tshering Zam
