RAWALPINDI: As many as 22 people lost their lives in 17 road traffic accidents in October, a 63pc increase from the 14 deaths recorded in September in Rawalpindi.

Several other people sustained injuries in 22 non-fatal accidents in October while 25 non-fatal accidents were reported in September, a spokesman for the City Traffic Police (CTP) said.

Among those who lost their lives included drivers, passengers, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

The City Circle area was on the top of the list as six fatal accidents were reported there. Five fatal accidents were reported in rural areas, and five in the limits of the National Highways and Motorway Police in October.

According to the traffic police, the vehicles involved in 17 fatal accidents were tractors, motorcycles pick-up, passenger wagons, cars, an excavator and a dumper.

The traffic police and Rescue 1122 along with the district police have committed to bring down the deaths and injuries on roads but with no deadline.

Some factors contributing to the deaths on roads included brake failures, wrong parking, a CNG cylinder blast and blind road crossings. But speeding emerged as the major cause of fatal accidents which claimed 22 lives.

Every fatality on roads is a tragedy and results in a lifetime trauma for families, friends and others.

It seems that road safety is not the key policy priority of the district administration and especially for the traffic police whose job is to enforce traffic rules, a traffic police expert said.

According to City Traffic Police, of the 17 fatal accidents, 12 FIRs were registered against the drivers in October. In September, 14 deaths were reported in 14 fatal road accidents while 25 non-fatal accidents were reported and 39 FIRs registered in September, said the spokesman.

The traffic police and traffic experts have considered a range of factors behind the increasing road toll, including speeding, deteriorating road quality, impatience and poor driving habits especially those of motorcycle riders.

Meanwhile, police continued its crackdown against unfit public service vehicles, route permit and licence checking on the 76th day on Saturday and impounded 1,602 unfit vehicles and issued challans to 10538 public service vehicles.

A police spokesman said fines of over Rs10 million were imposed for violation of the law while legal action was taken against 849 drivers without licences.

The licences of 27 drivers guilty of negligence were cancelled, 52 cases registered against drivers and owners of public service vehicles during the crackdown.

Legal action will also be taken against vehicle owners, base managers found guilty of negligence and against those who endanger the lives of other people.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2024