LAHORE: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Abdul Rahim Shirazi has said that a dedicated accident analysis unit has been established to examine the causes and possible solutions for fatal road crashes in order to ensure effective preventive measures for the future.

He was chairing a meeting of the Traffic and and Rescue officials here on Thursday which was also attended by Rescue 1122 Lahore District Emergency Officer Dr Rizwan, divisional officers, and other concerned authorities.

The CTO said that major accident hotspots had been identified, directing the officers to take immediate and effective measures in this respect.

Rescue 1122 officials informed the meeting that over-speeding, one-way violations, and lane discipline violations remain the leading causes of accidents.

Divisional officers further highlighted poor road engineering, unnecessary road cuts, and the absence of service roads as significant contributing factors behind the increasing number of accidents.

Rescue 1122 officials appreciated the strict zero-tolerance policy regarding helmet enforcement and stated that the initiative has resulted in a noticeable reduction in head injury cases.

The Lahore CTO informed participants that 113 people had lost their lives in traffic accidents so far this year, with the majority of victims being motorcyclists, emphasising the urgent need for precautionary measures.

Mr Shirazi stated that a 12 percent reduction in fatal accidents had been recorded this year; however, highways and roads must be made completely safe. He further remarked that thousands of precious lives were lost annually in Pakistan due to traffic accidents, and the mortality rate from road accidents exceeds many other causes of death. He stated that nearly 80 percent of accidents occur due to drivers’ negligence and reckless behaviour.

“Road accidents are not a matter of fate; they are the result of irresponsible attitudes on the roads. A road is a place where there is no second chance to learn, and even a minor mistake can lead to a major tragedy,” he added.

The CTO reaffirmed his commitment that strict enforcement of traffic laws through a zero-tolerance policy could significantly reduce accidents and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026