𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞-𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒕-𝒂𝒏𝒅-𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆

By Kezang Choden

The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has expressed growing concern over the increasing number of vehicle-pedestrian collisions and hit-and-run incidents in the country. These accidents endanger public safety and highlight the need for stronger enforcement of traffic rules and greater public awareness.

According to official data from the RBP, 40 vehicle-pedestrian collisions were registered in 2021. The number declined slightly to 36 in 2022 but rose to 53 in 2023. In 2024, the cases increased further to 60 nationwide. As of mid-2025, 18 such incidents have already been reported, raising alarm over pedestrian safety.

These accidents often involve reckless driving, speeding in urban areas, failure to yield at zebra crossings, and distracted driving, frequently caused by mobile phone use. In many cases, drivers flee the scene after hitting pedestrians, making it difficult for police to identify culprits and provide justice to victims.

The police are enhancing surveillance by installing CCTV cameras at key locations and encouraging the public to report such incidents. Efforts are also underway to strengthen coordination with hospitals for quick medical response to pedestrian injuries. Meanwhile, RBP urges drivers and pedestrians to act responsibly. Drivers are advised to slow down in crowded zones, especially near schools and hospitals, and to respect pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians are reminded to use zebra crossings properly and avoid sudden road crossings without checking for oncoming traffic. The rising number of collisions calls for urgent collective action to improve road safety.

Colonel Passang Dorji, Deputy Chief of Police, expressed serious concern over the increasing cases. He emphasized the need for drivers to strictly follow traffic rules and exercise caution, especially in urban areas and school zones where pedestrian movement is high. “Many of these incidents could have been avoided if drivers remained alert and followed traffic regulations responsibly,” he said.

He highlighted the dangers of distracted driving, including mobile phone use while driving. “Using a phone while driving may seem harmless, but it takes only a second of distraction for a tragedy to occur. We urge all motorists to keep their full attention on the road and avoid any form of distraction,” he added. The Deputy Chief also stressed pedestrian safety measures, such as slowing down near zebra crossings and giving way to pedestrians. He pointed out that every driver is responsible not only for their own safety but also for the safety of others on the road.

Recent data also show a noticeable increase in hit-and-run cases, raising concern among law enforcement. The RBP has actively conducted awareness programs and monitored high-risk areas to improve road safety. According to RBP data, hit-and-run cases rose from one in 2021 to three in 2022, five in 2023, and more than doubled to 12 in 2024. Four cases have already been registered in 2025. These incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities, with perpetrators fleeing the scene instead of helping victims or reporting the accident.

Authorities have expressed deep concern over this trend, stressing driver responsibility and strict adherence to traffic laws. The police urge all drivers to exercise caution, avoid reckless driving, and never leave the scene of an accident. They remind the public that fleeing an accident is a criminal offence punishable by law. With the increasing number of vehicles and traffic congestion, public cooperation is crucial to making roads safer.

The Deputy Chief also called on pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing roads. He stressed that road safety responsibility is shared by drivers and pedestrians alike. Highlighting the rising number of pedestrian accidents, Colonel Passang Dorji said people must use designated zebra crossings. “Many accidents happen because pedestrians do not use proper crossing points, while drivers often fail to slow down near zebra crossings,” he said. Pedestrians should avoid jaywalking and remain alert, especially on busy roads or in areas with fast-moving traffic.

The RBP has conducted awareness campaigns and enforced traffic regulations, but the Deputy Chief believes public cooperation is essential to reduce accidents. He reiterated that following traffic rules and being mindful of others can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.

Yeshi Lhamo, a resident of Thimphu, expressed concern over the risks pedestrians face while crossing roads in the capital. She shared that she sometimes feels afraid to cross due to speeding vehicles and careless driving. “I have seen drivers using mobile phones while driving, which is very dangerous, especially in busy areas where pedestrians need to cross,” she said. She added that such behavior increases the risk of accidents. As a mother, Yeshi Lhamo takes extra precautions for her children’s safety. “I personally drop my children to school every day because I don’t feel safe letting them cross the roads alone. The way some vehicles are driven, even at school zones, is very worrying,” she said. Her concerns reflect growing unease among city residents about road safety, particularly where pedestrian crossings are not respected or drivers fail to follow traffic rules.

Schools in both rural and urban areas are actively promoting road safety through training and awareness sessions. Teachers and students are observed practicing safe road crossing, especially at zebra crossings near schools. These programs educate students on using designated crossings and following traffic signals. Traffic in-charges collaborate with schools to ensure students understand the dangers of speeding and distracted driving. The sessions include demonstrations on safe road crossing, the importance of road signs, and the shared responsibilities of pedestrians and drivers. Many schools have integrated these sessions into extracurricular activities to reinforce road safety regularly.

To reduce accidents, traffic police have started using speed monitoring devices in key locations with heavy traffic and frequent speed violations. These devices detect vehicles exceeding speed limits, allowing prompt action against offenders. The initiative aims to encourage responsible driving and prevent accidents that could cause serious injuries or fatalities. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and monitoring speed is vital to reducing risks. Pedestrians are also advised to use zebra crossings and stay alert when crossing.