Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has proposed making side-view mirrors a permanent feature of motorcycles. The initiative aims to improve rider safety and reduce road accidents across the city.
The CTO has written to the Punjab Secretary of Industries regarding the proposal. He has recommended introducing manufacturing standards to ensure motorcycles come equipped with properly installed side-view mirrors.
According to Shirazi, many road accidents in Lahore occur when motorcyclists change lanes without checking behind them. He stated that 62 per cent of road accidents in the city are linked to such behaviour.
The absence of side-view mirrors can prevent riders from noticing vehicles approaching from behind or nearby lanes. This can increase the risk of collisions, particularly during lane changes.
CTO Highlights Importance of Mirrors Alongside Helmets
The Lahore CTO has emphasised that helmets and side-view mirrors both play important roles in motorcycle safety. Helmets help protect riders from serious head injuries during accidents. Meanwhile, mirrors allow riders to monitor surrounding traffic more effectively.
Shirazi noted that helmet use has increased significantly across Lahore. According to him, 97 per cent of motorcyclists on model roads now wear helmets.
He added that helmet compliance has also exceeded 88 per cent on other roads across the city. However, he stressed that further safety measures are needed to reduce motorcycle-related accidents.
The CTO believes that encouraging helmet use should go hand in hand with ensuring motorcycles have functional side-view mirrors. This approach could help riders make safer decisions while travelling through busy roads.
Proposal Targets Permanent Mirror Mountings
In his letter to the Punjab Industries Department, Shirazi proposed permanent installation of the rods or mounts used for side-view mirrors. Under the proposed system, motorcycle manufacturers would ensure these mounting structures remain attached to vehicles.
Riders could still remove the mirrors when necessary. However, the mounting rods would remain permanently fixed to the motorcycles.
The proposal also seeks to discourage riders from removing their mirrors altogether. Keeping mirrors installed would help motorcyclists observe traffic approaching from behind and from adjacent lanes.
The suggested manufacturing standards would make mirror installation a more consistent feature across motorcycles. The proposal is intended to improve safety through both vehicle design and responsible riding practices.
Authorities Asked to Discuss Safety Measures
The CTO has requested consultations with relevant authorities and motorcycle manufacturers. These discussions would explore suitable manufacturing standards and possible ways to implement the proposed changes.
Shirazi said permanent side-view mirror mountings could help riders change lanes more safely. Better awareness of surrounding traffic may also reduce the likelihood of collisions.
The proposal aims to strengthen motorcycle safety requirements and prevent avoidable road fatalities. However, its implementation would depend on further discussions and decisions by the relevant authorities.
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If adopted, the proposed measures could complement existing helmet enforcement efforts in Lahore. The initiative focuses on improving riders’ visibility and encouraging safer movement on the city’s roads.
