Ever wondered why so many pedestrians in Kathmandu walk on the left side of the road, believing it’s the safest option? I did too, until I noticed the alarming frequency of pedestrians being hit from behind. This widespread misconception is not only quirky but also dangerous. In my survey of nearly 200 participants from Kathmandu Valley, 68.4 percent believed walking on the left side was correct. This belief is life-threatening. Pedestrians should walk on the right side, facing oncoming traffic, allowing them to see and react to approaching vehicles. Shockingly, only 31.6 percent of respondents knew this crucial safety practice. Understanding and adopting the correct walking practice is vital for reducing pedestrian accidents. By walking on the right side, pedestrians can anticipate and avoid potential hazards, making our streets safer for everyone. Since I’ve done the research for you, all you need to do is follow this advice and help spread the word.

Imagine driving through Kathmandu’s congested streets and signaling a right turn. You switch on your right-side indicator, but the vehicle behind you speeds up to overtake, nearly causing an accident. Yes, this happened to me! According to my survey, 31.6 percent of participants misunderstood the purpose of side lights, thinking they indicate permission to overtake rather than signaling a turn. This confusion is not just inconvenient; it’s a major safety hazard. Drivers need to understand that side lights are for indicating direction, not for overtaking. Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic rules are crucial to correct this misunderstanding. Proper use of side lights is essential for communicating intentions on the road, thereby preventing accidents. By clarifying this simple yet often misunderstood practice, we can significantly enhance road safety. I’ve identified the issue for you, so now it’s up to you to implement and advocate for correct practices.

Now, let’s talk about road features. Have you ever noticed how roads are designed with various features to enhance safety? Take superelevation, for example—the tilt on sharp curves to prevent vehicles from overturning. While 79 percent of respondents recognized superelevation, 60 percent couldn’t explain its function. This is just one example of many road features that are critical for safety yet often misunderstood by the general public. Other features include road markings, pedestrian crossings, and speed bumps. Understanding these elements can significantly improve driving and pedestrian behavior. Awareness of these features and their purposes can lead to more informed and cautious road use. By appreciating the engineering behind our roads, we can better navigate them and reduce risks. I’ve done the groundwork in highlighting these features, so it’s your turn to understand and utilize this knowledge effectively.

To address these misconceptions and improve road safety, we must integrate findings from various sources. Kumar, Gupta, and Singh (2018) emphasize the need for better infrastructure and public awareness for pedestrian safety in urban areas. The World Health Organization reports that pedestrian fatalities account for a significant proportion of road traffic deaths globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Similarly, Smith and Jones (2019) found that many drivers in the US misuse or neglect side lights, increasing accident risks, while Lin and Zhang (2021) demonstrated that targeted driver education significantly improved compliance and safety outcomes. Anderson and Wilson (2017) discovered that many UK drivers were unaware of the purpose and benefits of superelevation. Gupta, Verma, and Singh (2020) found that public education enhances understanding and safety.

Based on the survey findings and these sources, here are some recommendations to enhance road safety awareness in Nepal:

• Integrate road safety topics into licensing exams: Ensure that questions about pedestrian safety, side light usage, and road features like superelevation are included in driver licensing exams. This will reinforce the importance of these topics and ensure that all drivers have a basic understanding of them.
• Launch public awareness campaigns: Use media platforms, social media, and community events to spread awareness about correct pedestrian practices, proper use of vehicle side lights, and the benefits of various road features. Engaging content can make these campaigns more effective.
• Collaborate with schools and colleges: Educate young people about road safety through school curriculums and college workshops. Early education can instill lifelong habits and improve overall road safety culture.
• Use technology for education: Develop mobile apps and online resources that provide interactive learning experiences about road safety. Quizzes, videos, and simulations can help users understand and retain information better.

Enhancing road safety awareness in Nepal requires a multifaceted approach that includes better education, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and engaging public awareness campaigns. By addressing misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making, we can create a safer road environment for everyone.

So, next time you step out onto the busy streets of Kathmandu, remember to walk on the right side, use your sidelights correctly, and appreciate the engineering marvels that keep you safe on those sharp curves. Let’s work together to make our roads safer, one step and one turn at a time.