Over 15k road crash victims brought to JPMC this year; 800 died

Officials claim traffic rules enforcement bring down fatalities in past six months

KARACHI:

More than 15,000 traffic accident cases have been reported at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) so far this year, resulting in the loss of over 800 lives, experts said on Tuesday. However, they added that the fatality rate from traffic accidents has declined during the last six months compared to the first half of the year.

The observations were shared at an awareness rally on trauma cases, attended by DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, JPMC Executive Director Prof Khalid Sher, and Deputy In-charge Emergency Dr Irfan Siddiqui.

Addressing the gathering, DIG Shah stressed the need to raise public awareness about traffic rules and trauma prevention. He said a meeting with MPAs was being held to ensure effective implementation of traffic laws.

He announced that 12,000 traffic cameras would be installed across the metropolis over the next two years. Large and clearly visible number plates would be made mandatory, while excise receipts would also be required, he added. "All standardised number plates would be ready by October."

DIG Shah further said that the tracking system was helping recover stolen vehicles, and warned that strict action would be taken against underage drivers. He reiterated that the death rate in traffic accidents had shown a decline in the last six months.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Khalid Sher said that road traffic accidents had become a major cause of death and disability.