KARACHI:
Driving in a bustling city like Karachi can be a daunting experience for many. During my daily commute, I have noticed an increased disregard for traffic rules, safety measures, and basic driving etiquette. The deteriorating infrastructure and roads are a further hazard to the drivers as well as the pedestrians.
Karachi has been ranked amongst the top metropolitan cities with the most traffic accidents. Every day, we come across news about fatal road accidents either because of drivers’ negligence or failure to follow basic rules. Although people can prevent the recurrence of these accidents by simply implementing traffic rules, few are willing to change. Even the traffic police appear to be oblivious to the absence of law and order in some of the busiest areas of the city. They seldom enforce traffic rules or challan reckless drivers.
Public-private partnerships to address road safety conditions holistically are laudable, but there is an urgent need for a widespread campaign to educate everyone on the need to follow traffic rules. Those found violating traffic rules should be strictly punished. People should be able to drive and walk on the roads safely instead of being in a constant state of fear and stress.
Syed Ovais
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2022.
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