Preventable accidents

In a disturbing trend, preventable accidents have started becoming alarmingly frequent on our roads. Just yesterday, two separate tragedies claimed the lives of at least 35 people. The first incident occurred when a passenger bus traveling from Kahuta to Rawalpindi plunged into a ditch, killing at least 25 on board. The cause, according to officials, was failed brakes that should have been detected and addressed beforehand. In a separate but equally devastating incident on the Makran Coastal Highway, a bus carrying pilgrims back from Iran to Punjab overturned after the driver lost control due to over-speeding. Eleven people lost their lives and 35 others were injured, some of them critically.

These tragic events are symptomatic of deeper, systemic failures. Our hilly and mountainous regions, known for their challenging terrain, are particularly susceptible to such disasters. Yet, the infrastructure in these areas remains inadequate. Roads are often poorly maintained, and essential safety features like guardrails and proper signage are missing. This neglect creates a perilous environment, making accidents more likely and often more fatal. Infrastructural development therefore becomes essential. The regulation of drivers and vehicles leaves much to be desired. The fact that a coaster with faulty brakes was permitted to operate is a glaring failure of oversight. Similarly, the bus driver's inability to control the vehicle due to over-speeding points to a lack of effective enforcement of traffic laws.

Adding to the risk is the disturbing frequency with which drivers are found to be operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or falling asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion. The absence of rigorous checks and balances allows such dangerous behaviour to continue unchecked, putting countless lives at risk. Licensing standards for drivers, especially those operating long-route vehicles, must be stringent, and regular inspections of vehicles should be mandatory to ensure they are safe for travel.