More Pakistanis die in road accidents than in war on terror

NHMP DIG Shinwari blames reluctance to follow precautionary measures for most traffic mishaps

PESHAWAR: Worldwide around 1.35 million people die each year in traffic accidents, while in Pakistan lack of road safety and road crashes claim around 25,000 people every year, says a World Health Organisation (WHO) report.

The report was quoted at a seminar, ‘Road Safety and Challenges of Pakistan’ organised by the Motorway and Highway Police at the University of Peshawar on Tuesday.



The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) DIG, Muhammad Alam Shinwari, blamed reluctance to follow precautionary measures for most road incidents. In Peshawar however, motorcycle accidents, involving one-wheeling in particular, cause most of the casualties – and most of the victims were aged between 15 and 30 years.

On a stretch of road between Peshawar and Nowshera, on an average five accidents take place every month in which precious lives are lost, according to the DIG. “More people are killed in road accidents every year than in the war against terrorism,” he added.

SSP Waheedur Rehman listed wrong crossing, lack of precautionary measures, lack of service roads on highways, un-fit vehicles, animals on highways, riding motorcycles without helmets, and one wheeling as the major causes of road accidents.

Dr Akhtar Ali Shah, in his presentation, said that three-wheelers and two-wheelers did not follow traffic principles and safety protocols in the country which was why most accidents involved these vehicles.

In neighbouring India, showbiz celebrities and sports stars are engaged to create awareness about road safety which is making a difference, he added. NHMP should also take such initiatives to curb road accidents.



“Around 70% accidents can be avoided if precautionary measures are followed by motorcyclists in the country,” he claimed.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asif Khan said that driving licences were issued easily without following international standards and inexperienced drivers were not aware of road safety which resulted in most of the accidents .

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2019.