Tractor-trolleys cause 10% road deaths across Punjab

Emergency services secretary concerned over parking sans lights

LAHORE:

Tractor-trolley accidents claim the highest fatality rate at 10 per cent in road crashes in Punjab, according to data released by Rescue 1122 on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crashes.

Provincial Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer expressed concern over the dangers posed by tractor-trolleys, particularly their roadside parking and lack of appropriate lighting.

He called for immediate enforcement of safety measures, including proper headlights and action against overloaded vehicles, to curb the rising death toll.

Since October 2004, Rescue 1122 has responded to over 4.2 million road traffic crashes, providing emergency care to 4.8 million victims. The department reported that a traffic accident occurs in Punjab every 69 seconds, with an average of 1,200 crashes and 11 fatalities daily.

Motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable road users, involved in 83% of reported accidents. Dr Naseer urged bikers to maintain a speed of 30km/h, stay in the extreme left lane and use securely strapped helmets to reduce fatalities.

Minister for Emergency Services and Health Khawaja Salman Rafiq highlighted the government's commitment to emergency care, including ambulance and air rescue services. He appealed to tractor-trolley drivers to adhere to safety regulations to prevent accidents.

Parliamentary Secretary Zia Ullah Shah lauded the efforts of rescuers and emphasised the need for responsible driving, adherence to traffic laws and implementation of global road safety targets to halve road deaths by 2030 under the United Nations Second Decade of Action for Road Safety.

The province recorded 1,375 road traffic accidents in the last 24 hours, resulting in 12 deaths and injuries to 1,495 people, according to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed.