Speeding

Reckless driving and speeding claimed the life of a young girl in Karachi on Friday (Nov 24). The girl was on a bike with her father when a passenger bus hit the bike. The girl died on spot. After the incident, an angry mob put the bus on fire. Accidents like these are not a rare occurrence, but it is surprising that the authorities are not doing anything about it. It appears that the traffic police is also unable to punish the people who break traffic rules. Reckless and fast driving, trying to compete with another bus in an attempt to board more passengers, etc., are the primary causes of such fatal accidents.
The traffic authorities must build bus stops and direct bus drivers to pick up and drop off passengers only at designated bus stops. There must be a separate lane for motorcycles and bicycles. A proper transportation system may be developed including train or subway system to provide better and safe transportation. All these recommendations will bear fruit if the authorities will implement them in true letter and spirit. However, there is another more serious aspect of the incident: people have started taking law in their hands. This is disturbing. It means that the common man has no confidence in our judicial system and the police. This distrust is a serious blow to the national fabric. It is the responsibility of the authorities to take immediate notice of such incidents and to provide justice to victims. Speedy and just action will help us build a more tolerant nation.
Irfan U Khattak
Abbottabad