Fatality on road continues

In the first two days of this week ten people were killed and 21 injured in road accidents in five districts.  Although there has been regular public outcry to make our roads safer there is no brake on such untimely deaths in road mishaps, particularly on highways. It is reported that at least 1,089 people were killed in the last 125 days. The statistics are alarming, but what is even more worrying is how little has been done over the years to address this gravest risk to public safety.

Majority of the road crashes occur due to reckless driving. A large number of drivers operate with faulty and expired licenses. Road safety activists have repeatedly urged for promulgation of stringent punishment for reckless driving but the administration seems to be slack on this issue. The traffic police department fails to play an effective role in identifying overloaded and unfit vehicles, and holding drunk and reckless drivers accountable. There are also problems of faulty road construction and dangerous bends that often cause deadly accidents.

During Eid, these problems turn acute due to enormous pressure of home bound traffic.  Furthermore, the ongoing rainfall is damaging the roads. Reckless driving in this bad weather will make the journey particularly risky. The authorities should immediately repair faulty roads and enforce strict traffic vigilance to make the Eid journey safe and hassle-free.