Motorcycles: Convenient but deadly

111 people have died in 21,000 traffic accidents in the provincial capital this year, so far

LAHORE: Typically considered to be the most convenient mode of transportation, motorcycles have slowly garnered a reputation of being a moving death trap. At least 111 people have died in 21,000 traffic incidents in the provincial capital this year so far.

Further, traffic police issued approximately 0.9 million challans to motorcyclists within this time period. However, despite this, motorcyclists still appear to remain blissfully unaware of standard traffic rules and regulations.

The number of motorcycles registered in Lahore is close three million, according to statistics by the excise department. But there are at least 0.5 million motorcycles, which are registered in other cities, that are currently traveling on the roads of the provincial metropolis.

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Data from Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 shows that from January, 38,200 motorcycle accidents have taken in Lahore up till now in 2019. Around 23,565 people, who sustained minor injuries, were given first aid on the site while 15,895 people, who were critically injured, had to be shifted to the hospital.

Moreover, 9,105 of the traffic accident victims were under 17 years of age, while 2,441 persons were above 60. In addition to the men, 10,019 women were also involved in accidents.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Liaqat Malik highlighted that officials have issued 894,076 challans for various violations such as failure to wear a helmet, one wheeling and rash driving.

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He maintained that officials have observed that the majority of those injured in the accidents are students. Taking notice of this trend, traffic police organised awareness lectures at schools, colleges, and universities where they screened footage of incidents obtained from CCTV cameras.

He explained that traffic wardens have been directed to not chase motorcyclists over traffic violations as they resort to speeding in an effort to escape. He added their efforts to squeeze through spaces between concrete dividers puts lives at risk.

He urged parents to prevent underage children from driving motorcycles and teach those above 18 to wear a helmet, drive at a lower speed and always keep to the left side of the road.

Senior Doctor Sabir Malik stated that at least 50% of the cases coming into the emergency ward at hospitals are head injuries. “The main reason for this is a general lack of using helmets when on a motorcycle,” he said.



Therefore, the condition of 30% to 50% of these patients is critical. In addition to head injuries, motorcyclists also sustain leg injuries. These are usually a consequence of failing to check one’s side mirrors when making a sudden turn, he explained.

He also urged citizens to play their part by not littering on the roads as these can also become an obstacle for motorcyclists.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2019.