Empowering Pedestrians and Cyclists to Enhance Road Safety in Pakistan

 
 
 
road safety in pakistan
Posted by: IIPS Category: Daily Insights Tags: , , Comments: 0

According to a World Health Organization report, more than 1.2 million people die on roads every year globally and more than 50 million people suffer from severe injuries due to road accidents.

Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people entering their productive age, i.e. between 15 and 29 years (The News International). These road accidents have vast pessimistic impacts on the vulnerable societies and directly and communities at large.

More than half of the victims of such accidents worldwide are pedestrians and cyclists, dubbed Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs). A study revealed that 53% of deaths in traffic accidents in Pakistan are shared by the VRUs (The News International).

In Pakistan, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorised two and three-wheelers make up more than 59% of road users. These are usually deficient in protective cases or clothing around them and are at greater risk of accidents than the four-wheeler users.

Unfortunately, 84% of roads in Pakistan are deficient in basic pedestrian facilities like footpaths and zebra crossings (The News International). These are available only in some of the big cities.

Pedestrians’ cross busy roads chaotically and become the victims of speedy vehicles. On the other hand, bicycles are still a common mode of transportation, especially in rural areas, and their engineering makes them easy prey to cruel hasty vehicles. It is also an eco-friendly transportation option and helps reduce air pollution.

To empower pedestrians and cyclists in the country, the government should focus on mass road safety awareness programs, user-friendly infrastructures for pedestrians, motorcycle safety helmet promotions, right of way campaigns, provision of sustainable urban transport, the introduction of new regulations, and fair law enforcement can guarantee a tangible reduction in injuries and sufferings of vulnerable road users.

The safety of cyclists and pedestrians needs comprehensive planning and the active participation of all stakeholders as it is not only a public health crisis but a critical development priority with a strong impact on health, human capital, and economic growth.

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IMARAT Institute of Policy Studies

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