DEATHS in traffic accidents have become a grave concern, with motorcycle riders—who account for 57% of the victims—being the most vulnerable. This is evident daily on our streets. The rise of home-delivery services has significantly increased motorcycle mobility, with riders speeding to deliver orders to impatient customers. Additionally, the introduction of Bykya Service has further contributed to the heavy traffic congestion.
The threshold of danger increases with the onset of darkness, as most of these bike riders do not have backlights and indicators to indicate which way they intend to navigate their motorcycles or make a sudden stop or turn. They also fail to check their whereabouts with the guiding map. The owners of various concerned establishments should take serious note of this and ensure that bikes displaying their logos are seen to be respectful of traffic laws and signs posted for the welfare of vehicles plying on our roads.
The big vehicles, especially dumper trucks, whose volume on the roads has substantially increased with the rise in construction activities in big cities, pose an additional threat. It is surprising that while the traffic police take stern action against motorcyclists, convincing them to wear helmets and adopt other safety measures like the proper use of indicators, there are no such plans for heavy vehicles like dumpers, despite the power and influence of their owners.
In my opinion, the most urgent step to be taken is to check that all drivers have valid driving licenses. It is common knowledge that many of these vehicles are being driven by their cleaners and others who do not have the required license or training.
Also, heavy vehicles plying at breakneck speeds are like battering rams running wild on roads, and it should be ensured that this does not happen, resulting in victims being crushed even when they are driving on the side of the road. I hope that if traffic rules are implemented in letter and spirit, major accidents, which occur because of vehicles plying with faulty brakes and other faults, will be reduced, leading to fewer tragedies.
It is hoped that, apart from educating motorcycle drivers, authorities will also ensure that heavy vehicles on our roads have valid safety certificates and their drivers possess the requisite driving licenses. Only then can we hope that roads will stop being death traps for innocent people.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
