Our attitude towards traffic regulations

We run over red lights as if it is nobody’s business.

The other day, I was waiting for the light to turn green in the evening when a rickshaw driver next to me felt that since there weren’t any vehicles crossing the intersection, it is foolish to keep waiting. This made me think whether it was really necessary for a traffic constable to be present for us to follow the law? Don’t we have any sense of civic responsibility? Even though this might seems as a minor issue compared with other pressing ones, I feel this attitude really defines us as a nation.

A couple of days ago, a traffic constable caught a ride with me on my motorcycle as I was coming back after reporting. On the way, the constable started talking about the traffic and how it was increasing by the day. He said people have no road sense and do not bother following the rules. He claimed ‘the elite’ feel proud after breaking the law.

“If we stop them and their new cars, we take a risk, endangering our jobs,” he said, adding that rickshaws pose the biggest challenge in handling the traffic and 35% of accidents occur because of them.

The constable complained that every other vehicle displays a press sticker on it. “If we try stopping them on a violation, they boast about belonging to such and such press or media group.” Does this justify them breaking the law?

The constable was right. We do not follow the rules and regulations in any sphere of life. This is why we are recognised as a disorderly nation. The former UK prime minister Tony Blair got a ticket issued by an ordinary police official for jumping a traffic light. He paid the fine and apologised for the offence. Can we get a similar response in Pakistan? I would definitely say no.

So, what is the solution to the increasing traffic and population? On the one hand, we need a trained regulatory force and, on the other, we must raise awareness about traffic laws and try to change public attitude.

Laws must be implemented. Otherwise, they are as good as non-existent. We must wait for the light to turn green even if there is no one to watch, and no one there to stop us. This will be the first step towards success.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2014.