800 lives lost in 84k road crashes this year

Wearing helmet can prevent up to 90% of deaths in motorcycle-related mishaps

KARACHI:

As many as 800 people have been killed in more than 84,000 traffic accidents so far this year in the metropolitan city, as per the figures released by the two major hospitals, JPMC and Civil Hospital, on the occasion of “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”.

The day is observed on the 3rd Sunday of November worldwide to raise awareness about accidents on roads and highways through strict enforcement of traffic laws.

Dr Irfan Siddiqui of the JPMC said that the day serves as a reminder to reflect on past accidents and propel the implementation of traffic rules and regulations for a safer future. Regrettably, negligence and carelessness of drivers, whether in cars or on motorcycles, often lead to fatal consequences for pedestrians.

The city is grappling with escalating traffic and infrastructure challenges, witnessing 1,500 to 2,000 emergency cases daily at the JPMC. Among them, 140 to 160 people fall victim to traffic accidents, resulting in four to six fatalities daily in the hospital’s accident department.

This year alone, the JPMC has reported over 45,000 traffic accidents, claiming the lives of more than 500 people, Dr Irfan said, adding that most cases involve injuries to the skull, brain, or spinal cord, causing internal bleeding. “In severe cases, patients may lose their lives due to brain injuries. Swift action is taken in the trauma unit, where patients are fitted with a cervical collar, intubated, and resuscitated to prevent further bleeding. Some may require ventilator support,” he said.

Helmet can prevent up to 90% of motorcycle-related accidents. Tragically, some parents permit young children to ride motorcycles and drive vehicles before the legal age of 18, Dr Irfan said. Strict enforcement of traffic rules is pivotal to reducing accidents, he added while stressing that avoiding two-way traffic on the road can prevent collisions between vehicles.

Regular maintenance of vehicles is essential. Issues like bus tyre bursts leading to skidding and collisions pose a constant threat. Recently, a bus tyre burst near Sharea Faisal resulted in a fatal collision with a bike. Innocent children often become victims, especially when allowed to venture to places like Sea View and Do Darya on motorcycles for late-night outings.

Families left in regrettable states in the emergency room after accidents of their loved ones need support. Informing them that such actions will not be tolerated in the future becomes necessary for their mental well-being.

“The JPMC witnesses two to three victims of traffic accidents succumbing to injuries daily in its accident department, while many individuals suffer from lifelong disabilities due to these accidents,” Dr Irfan said. “The media can play a pivotal role in creating awareness among citizens.”

Officials from the Civil Hospital trauma centre reported 110 to 120 traffic accidents daily, with one to two deaths reported daily. So far this year, the trauma centre has recorded over 39,000 cases of traffic accidents, resulting in over 380 deaths.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2023.