In spite of strict enforcement of rules against careless driving and adoption of remedial measures, around 820 accidents did occur during the last two years (2015 & 2016) on Motorways.
Of the total accidents occurred on Peshawar-Islamabad (M-1),Islamabad-Bhera (M-2 North) and M-2 South, M-3 & M-4 (Bhera-Lahore, Pindi Bhatian-Faisalabad & Faisalabad -Gojra), 215 were fatal and 605 were non-fatal.
The area-wise break up of accidents showed that out of total 140 accidents on Peshawar-Islamabad (M-1) during year 2015, 24 were fatal and 116 were non-fatal.
On Islamabad-Bhera (M-2 North), total number of accidents occurred were 192, out of which 31 were fatal and 161 were non-fatal.
Similarly, on M-2 South, M-3 & M-4 (Bhera-Lahore, Pindi Bhatian-Faisalabad & Faisalabad -Gojra), total number of accidents was 113, of which 46 were fatal and 67 were non-fatal.
Showing details of accidents during 2016, the data revealed that out of total 112 accidents on Peshawar-Islamabad (M-1), 30 were fatal and 82 were non-fatal.
On Islamabad-Bhera (M-2 North), total number of accidents occurred were 138, out of which 44 were fatal and 94 were non-fatal.
On M-2 South, M-3 & M-4 (Bhera-Lahore, Pindi Bhatian-Faisalabad & Faisalabad -Gojra), total number of accidents was 125, of which 40 were fatal and 85 were non-fatal.
Upon contacted to know about steps taken to control the accidents, official sources said there exist strict rules i.e. registration of FIRs under section 279 PPC in case of careless driving and in addition to that careless drivers are produced before concerned court of law under section 75 NHSO and 99 MVO with request for imposition of fines and imprisonment.
The other step was conduct of briefing and education regarding road safety to road users by distributing road safety materials (stickers, pamphlets and leaflets) at Toll Plazas as well as through Mobile Education Unit (MEUs).
Road safety seminars, campaigns and walks at beat and sector level were also arranged on road side hotel/pumps, trucking stations, school, college and universities to aware drivers regarding road safety.
The sources said in addition to that, seminars, walks/counselling and briefing sessions were conducted for drivers of LTVs/HTVs/PSVs regarding mechanical fitness of vehicles.
Moreover, checking of tyres with treads and air pressure gauges at toll plazas to prevent tyre burst accidents, extensive use of day and night speed checking cameras are being utilized to avoid accidents occurred due to over speeding and establishment of anti-dozing points to avoid accidents due to dozing at wheel were the other remedial measures adopted to prevent accidents.
The sources said in addition to that, surprise and random checking of vehicles at night time has been conducted to check the physical status of drivers while FM-95 Radio is playing major role in educating masses on road safety by providing travel advisory and information on weather and road situations.
Road Safety plan and framework document for National Highways and Motorways Police (NH & MP) have been prepared by the Ministry of Communications in consultation with NH & MP, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Institute of Space Technology (IST) and many other Federal Line Ministries.
Driving Licensing Authority at Islamabad has been established, with its online offices in Kamra, Sheikhupura and Lahore to produce better drivers on the Motorways and Highways.
Road Safety Training Institutes have been established at district level in the country to provide driving skills of international standards to the general public.
Road Safety Chapters have been prepared by NH & MP for Class I-XII which have been sent to relevant federal, provincial, Gilgit Baltistan and AJK governments for inclusion in curriculum.