LAHORE: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has stated that 73pc victims of fatal road crashes in Lahore are motorcyclists, emphasising that protecting human lives remains the foremost priority of the Lahore Traffic Police.

He said that with over 6.1 million motorcycles out of the 8.2 million registered vehicles in Lahore, motorcyclists constitute the largest share of road users and, consequently, the highest proportion of traffic fatalities.

He said the ongoing helmet enforcement campaign had already resulted in a 40pc reduction in head trauma cases, but stricter enforcement was essential to further reduce preventable deaths.

The CTO announced that a special citywide crackdown on helmetless motorcyclists was being conducted. Major corridors, including The Mall, Jail Road, Canal Road, Main Boulevard, Cantt, and other busy arteries, had been declared no-go zones for riders without helmets.

Mr Shirazi has directed all SPs and DSPs to deploy special enforcement teams at all major entry and exit points of the city to ensure effective action against the helmet law violators.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the CTO revealed that 97 motorcyclists lost their lives in 143 fatal road crashes this year, with head injuries identified as the leading cause of death. He stressed that the purpose of strict enforcement was not revenue generation, but the protection of precious human lives. Consistent helmet use not only saves lives but also significantly reduces the burden on hospital emergency departments.

The CTO further noted that Lahore ranked among the world’s largest motorcycle population cities, making the safety of millions of riders a fundamental responsibility of the Lahore Traffic Police. He urged citizens to wear helmets not out of fear of fines, but for their own safety and the well-being of their families. He also appealed to road users to strictly observe lane discipline and traffic regulations, emphasising that helmet use and compliance with traffic laws were the foundation of safe travel.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026