In a bid to enhance road safety, Islamabad authorities have made it mandatory for all motorcyclists and their passengers, both men and women, to wear helmets.
According to Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider, the rule will be enforced after a two-week awareness campaign. Following that period, fines will be imposed on both riders and pillion passengers found without helmets.
The decision is aimed at reducing fatalities, as officials say wearing helmets can increase survival chances in accidents by up to 50%.
Motorcycles remain a common and affordable means of transportation in Pakistan, especially as many citizens struggle with poverty. However, they are also among the most vulnerable on the roads due to frequent accidents, often worsened by the lack of helmet use, especially among passengers.
In cities like Karachi, traffic accidents involving motorcycles have already claimed more than 370 lives and injured over 5,500 people this year, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety measures.
