KATHMANDU: Victims of hit-and-run road accidents could receive compensation from a government fund under a new road safety bill proposed by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
The draft Road Safety Bill proposes that victims who are unable to identify the vehicle involved in an accident, or are otherwise unable to obtain compensation, will be eligible for financial assistance through the National Road Safety Council Fund.
According to the draft, the council will coordinate with the Nepal Insurance Authority to develop and implement the necessary insurance procedures for providing compensation to eligible victims.
The proposed provision aims to address a long-standing gap in Nepal’s road safety framework, where victims of hit-and-run accidents are often left without any compensation because the offending vehicle cannot be traced.
The bill also holds vehicle owners and drivers liable for damages if an accident is caused by a vehicle parked on the carriageway or in a no-parking zone. Compensation will be recovered from the responsible parties under procedures to be developed by the council.
Similarly, individuals or organizations that leave goods or other obstructions on roads or footpaths, leading to accidents or property damage, will also be required to compensate affected victims.
The draft legislation further proposes establishing a National Road Safety Council to coordinate road safety stakeholders, formulate and implement road safety policies and programs, and oversee their monitoring, evaluation and regulation.
