Tractor-trolley accidents have been identified as the leading cause of road fatalities in Punjab, accounting for 10% of traffic-related deaths, according to a Rescue 1122 report released on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crashes. The report highlights the dangers posed by these vehicles, particularly due to illegal roadside parking and insufficient lighting.
Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Secretary of Provincial Emergency Services, emphasized the need for urgent safety reforms, such as installing proper headlights and enforcing regulations against overloaded tractor-trolleys. Since its inception in 2004, Rescue 1122 has responded to over 4.2 million traffic incidents, with Punjab witnessing an average of 1,200 accidents and 11 fatalities daily. Motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable, involved in 83% of these accidents.
Read more: Over 1100 Accidents Reported in Punjab in One Day
To address the issue, Dr. Naseer recommended measures like reducing motorcycle speeds to 30 km/h, using helmets, and staying in the left lane to reduce casualties. Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Minister for Emergency Services, reinforced the government’s dedication to enhancing emergency infrastructure, including ambulance services and air rescue teams, while urging tractor-trolley operators to comply with safety standards.
Zia Ullah Shah, Parliamentary Secretary, underscored the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws to achieve the UN target of halving road fatalities by 2030. Strengthening safety measures for high-risk vehicles like tractor-trolleys is seen as a crucial step toward improving road safety in the province.
