Severe punishment introduced for driving recklessly can work as deterrence and bring positive outcomes
ISLAMABAD: Road accidents in Pakistan are rapidly increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in urban cities. While many blame reckless drivers for this ordeal, one cannot ignore the deplorable conditions our roads are in.
Reckless drivers most often transgress the law by speeding, breaking signals, overtaking from the wrong side and attempting to run away from authorities. More often than not, these perpetrators are underage having no licence. A small mistake can end up claiming previous lives. It is a mistake that one cannot take back. According to reports issued by the WHO, over 1.2 million people around the world annually die due to road accidents and in Pakistan specifically, traffic accidents result in the death of more than 8,000 people every year.
The government needs to do everything they can to reduce these figures. The authorities concerned should devise a comprehensive and persuasive plan to decrease the rate of accidents. Laws should be reviewed and the necessary changes should be made. Severe punishment introduced for driving recklessly can work as deterrence and bring positive outcomes.
Zulfiqar Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2020.
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