Compulsion of Driving License for Bike Riders in Gilgit-Baltistan
By : Sana Mehmood
The road traffic injuries are the most
leading cause of death for children and young adults age between 5-29 years
old. From a young age, males are more likely to be
involved in road traffic crashes than females. About three quarters (73%) of
all road traffic deaths occur among young males under the age of 25 years, who
are almost 3 times as likely to be killed in a road traffic crash as young
females. An increase in average speed is directly related both to the
likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of the consequences of the
crash. For example, every 1% increase in mean speed produces a 4% increase in
the fatal crash risk and a 3% increasein the serious crash risk. The death risk
for pedestrians hit by car fronts rises rapidly (4.5 times from 50 km/h to 65
km/h).In car-to-car side impacts the fatality risk for car occupants is 85% at
65 km/h (WHO, 2020). Similarly, the present road accidents happened near the Shaheed
Saif-Ur_Rahman Hospital where both the bike riders were under the age of 25
years and were involved in raising of bikes. Both were young adults were got
serious injured and being transferred to DHQ Gilgit.
Road
traffic injuries can be prevented. Governments need to take action to address
road safety in a holistic manner. This requires involvement from multiple
sectors such as transport, police, health, education, and actions that address
the safety of roads, vehicles, and road users. In Gilgit-Baltistan majority of
52% car drivers do not possessed driving license and approximately, 99% bike
riders do not have riving license. The Govt of Gilgit-Baltistan need to make
such policies which make sure the driving license for bike riders as well. Approximately,
10000 registered motorcycle in Gilgit-Baltistan and five time more motorcycles
are registered other than Gilgit-Baltistan. we have more than 50000 motorcycle
in Gilgit. If Govt make such policy of license compulsion for bike drivers than
it minimizes the accidents. Heavily challan should be imposing on the underage
bike drivers. Majority of 75% bike crushes are being done by the young children
under the age of 25 years. The assurance of bike driving license not only
minimize the road accidents, but also generate revenue for the Police Traffic
department. For example, one license issue in PKR. 1000 then 1000*50000 =5. E7
means 5 Core Rupees within a year.
Moreover,
the Govt of Gilgit-Baltistan make an effective interventions which includesthe designing
safer infrastructure and incorporating road safety features into land-use and
transport planning, improving the safety features of vehicles, improving
post-crash care for victims of road crashes, setting and enforcing laws
relating to key risks, and raising public awareness.
The writer is M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Sociology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. And principle investigator of Road safety in Gilgit-Baltistan. reached: sanaraja310@gmail.com
.jpg)
0 Comments