No improvement in city’s perilous, deadly, chaotic traffic

As many as 777 people have been killed in road crashes in the outgoing year

KARACHI:

While the metropolitan city prepares to welcome the New Year, its traffic remains as perilous, chaotic, and deadly as ever. As many as 777 lives have been lost in road traffic accidents during the outgoing year 2023, as per data collected from various welfare organisations.

The data also shows that traffic accidents have resulted in more fatalities than terrorism and targeted killings combined. According to the breakup of the grim statistics, 70 lives were lost in traffic accidents in January, 60 in February, and 75 in March. The toll continued to climb with 83 fatalities in April, 64 in May, and 36 in June.

Unfortunately, the traffic police's campaigns against speeding have not yielded significant results. In July, 60 lives were lost, followed by 69 in August and 60 in September. October recorded 62 casualties, November saw 91, and December witnessed almost 47 casualties from various road incidents.

Read Traffic police actions spark public outcry

According to the additional inspector general of police, poorly designed highway roundabouts, speed breakers, and unnecessary U-turns are the leading causes of traffic accidents. However, locals argue that insufficient infrastructure, violation of traffic laws, and inadequate checks on the fitness of heavy transport vehicles contribute to these incidents.

The traffic police report highlights that a majority of those killed in traffic accidents are motorcyclists. Trucks, trailers, and water tankers are identified as major contributors to traffic accidents due to their high speeds.