Punjab grapples with road safety crisis

Deadly road traffic crashes claim 327 lives in April

LAHORE:

It has been reported that 327 individuals lost their lives in 41,371 road traffic crashes (RTCs) across Punjab in the past month.

The data, unveiled during a high-level meeting chaired by Emergency Services Department Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, painted a bleak picture of road safety in Punjab.

Among the most affected areas, Lahore recorded a significant number of RTCs, with 8,383 accidents resulting in 30 fatalities.

Similarly, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Rawalpindi witnessed alarming numbers of RTCs, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

Expressing grave concern over the mounting death toll, Dr Rizwan urged motorbike riders to adhere to road safety protocols and abide by the speed limits recommended by the International "Love-30" campaign, which advocates for safer streets worldwide.

The meeting, attended by Regional Emergency Officers (REOs), District Emergency Officers (DEOs), and other key officials, aimed to review the operational performance of emergency services across Punjab.

DEOs provided insights into major emergencies, challenges, and initiatives in their respective districts.

During the session, it was revealed that Rescue 1122 responded to a staggering 176,401 emergencies during April 2024, rescuing 172,176 victims.

These emergencies encompassed medical crises, road traffic accidents, crime incidents, fire outbreaks, and various other scenarios requiring immediate assistance.

In light of the concerning data, Dr Rizwan issued directives to DEOs to intensify efforts in educating citizens about the hazards of illegal parking and the importance of caution when navigating roads, especially during the sugarcane crushing season, where tractor-trolley crossings pose significant risks.

He emphasised the urgent need to crack down on illegal activities on roads, including underage driving, unregistered vehicles, and unauthorized parking, while also stressing the importance of coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure road safety.

Published in The Express Tribune May 3^rd, 2024.