How to save a life

It’s been nearly six months that I moved to Karachi, and even though I’ve lived here before, I still struggle to put my head around the extremely high number of motorcycles in the metropolis.

Having resided in Islamabad a lot, where one could argue the implementation of traffic law is somewhat higher, the near-allergic reaction that Karachi’s motorcyclists have to helmets is somewhat puzzling. The high number of motorists and low figures of law enforcement personnel take away that fear whereby, as is witnessed in other cities, motorcyclists immediately put on their helmet, otherwise resting atop the fuel tank or hanging on the side, when they see a traffic cop or approach a traffic signal. Having driven a motorcycle for around three years in college in Lahore, I know that SOP all too well.

Statistics revealed recently from the Road Traffic Injury Research and Prevention Centre stated that Karachi’s motorcyclists fall victim to the most road injuries; 43% of their accidents are fatal, while 43% of the riders receive injuries. That’s a large figure, considering there are around two million motorcycles in the metropolis, according to data recently shared with the media by DIG Traffic Dr Amir Shaikh.

In a moment of naivety recently it occurred to me how incredible it would be, if Pakistan was a true social welfare state, if the government provided free helmets to motorists. The plan goes like this: The government gives a tender [yes someone will probably make money but so what] for production of helmets (robust, transparent ones with official markings and a good ventilation system) and distributes them across the country. All private production and purchase of motorcycle helmets be banned indefinitely; police should be ordered to clamp down on violators or users of unsanctioned helmets. Additionally, it should be illegal to sell a motorcycle without providing a free helmet. A good way to involve the private sector would be to have helmets which can be accessorised; those who can afford it can add a Bluetooth device or earphone, etc. to it, or order on payment ‘advanced’ versions for heavy bikes, etc.

Moreover, since the official helmets cannot be sold, there’ll be little purpose for people to unnecessarily hoard them. Even if they do it shouldn’t matter as long as every motorcyclist and pillion rider ends up wearing them. All of this, meanwhile, should be accompanied with an extensive media campaign to encourage the use of helmets.

Enough daydreaming? I agree. Let’s put the brakes here. But at least it’s a better idea than the ‘helmet-compulsory’ drive supposedly kicked off by the Karachi traffic police from June 1 last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2016.