2012 Roundup: 17% rise in bike accidents says Rescue 1122

ISLAMABAD: Motorcycle accidents increased by around 17 per cent in Rawalpindi between 2011 and 2012, with speeding being the major cause, data collected by Rawalpindi Rescue1122 has shown. In 2012, Rawalpindi Rescue1122 responded to 6,210 traffic accidents and saved the lives of 6,965 people, according to a statement issued by the emergency service. Of the 6,210 accidents, 16 per cent were car accidents, while van accidents accounted for 15 per cent of the total. More than half of the accidents, however, were motorcycle accidents. Most of these involved motorists in the 11-20 years age group, the statement read. The data also shows that rescue staff responded to 31 bus accidents, 85 rickshaw accidents, 42 tractor-trolley, 38 truck and five train accidents among others. Rescue1122 requested people to follow traffic safety rules and use protective equipment to prevent accidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2013.