ISLAMABAD: In a new effort to boost road safety, Islamabad’s traffic police have announced that wearing helmets will now be mandatory for both motorcycle drivers and their passengers.
The decision, announced by Chief Traffic Officer Syed Zeeshan Haider, will be implemented following a two-week awareness campaign.
Haider emphasised that once the awareness drive ends, anyone found violating the rule, whether rider or passenger, will be fined accordingly.
This step comes in response to the growing number of motorcycle-related accidents in the capital. Authorities have raised concerns that neglecting essential safety measures often leads to tragic outcomes.
“Riding a motorcycle is more than 20 times riskier than driving a car,” said a police spokesperson. He highlighted that passengers are just as responsible for their safety as the riders.
Pakistan’s urban roads, especially in cities like Karachi and Lahore, frequently see accidents, many of them caused by careless driving, poor enforcement of traffic rules, and limited public understanding of road safety.
Officials believe that making helmet use compulsory for all motorcyclists can go a long way in lowering the number of serious injuries and deaths.
They pointed out that a significant portion of motorcycle users comes from lower-middle-income households, where knowledge about safety laws is often minimal.
Citizens are being urged to take traffic regulations seriously, ride within speed limits, and use proper safety equipment, not just to protect themselves, but also to safeguard the lives of others on the road.