Rising Road Accidents in Sindh Pakistan
The lack of knowledge about traffic laws and responsible driving practices among drivers in Karachi is a major concern, with experts calling for education campaigns and strict enforcement to prevent further tragedies. The government must prioritize road safety and work towards reducing the number of accidents, which have been on the rise in recent months.
A staggering 98% of drivers in Karachi lack knowledge of traffic laws, contributing to the city's alarming rate of road accidents, with around 150 cases reported daily, mostly involving young motorcyclists. The Sindh Police Accident Analysis Research Centre's findings have sparked concerns about the need for strict enforcement and awareness campaigns to counter the widespread ignorance among drivers.
Speakers at a seminar on "Road Traffic Accidents in Karachi: Causes and Solutions" emphasized the importance of addressing behavioral issues, such as drivers lacking patience and refusing to give way to others, which are major contributors to accidents. The main causes of accidents include heavy vehicles, lack of lane discipline, and the absence of a proper system to monitor the load carried by heavy vehicles. Expert Dr. Sabir Memon stressed the need for the government to improve road safety, enforce existing laws, and launch education campaigns to prevent further tragedies.
The statistics are grim, with 55% of road accident victims being motorcyclists, 32% pedestrians, and the rest involving cars and other vehicles. The shortage of traffic signals and lack of funding for the Traffic Engineering Bureau are other major issues that need to be addressed. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has been engaged in discussions with federal government representatives and industrialists on unrelated matters, including the transition of captive power plants to the national grid.
As the city struggles to cope with the rising number of road accidents, experts stress the need for strict implementation of traffic laws, public awareness, and reforms in road infrastructure and safety systems. The government must take immediate action to address the concerns and work towards reducing the number of accidents on Karachi's roads, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent months.