A FEW months ago, Gujranwala’s chief traffic officer had said that the traffic police would take action against people on motorcycles without a helmet.

This caused an increase in the sale of helmets. However, one has yet to see the traffic police take strict action against anyone which is odd because barely one in 10 motorcyclists uses a helmet.

In the wake of inadequate infrastructure to implement traffic rules, seldom do people care about law.

Before issuing such orders, one must consider all factors lest authorities lose credibility and orders become mere rhetoric.

In my view demanding compliance during the hot and humid season is beyond endurance of law abiders, whereas non law abiders become more cynical. Second, orders once issued must be enforced. Third, wearing a helmet with its straps dangling should also be fined as it flies off in case an accident occurs. During summer, wearing of cap-shaped helmets should be allowed.

The wearing of a helmet should be mandatory for motorcyclists using national highways or roads where there is heavy traffic and the speed limit exceeds 50kms per hour.

The question is; when will these life-saving rules be implemented? Raising awareness followed by strict compliance is the need of the hour.

Syed Farhan Basit

Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2019