Islamabad Makes Helmets Mandatory for Motorcyclists

In an effort to bolster the well-being of individuals commuting within the federal capital, authorities have declared that helmets are now mandatory for all motorcyclists and their passengers.

Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider stated on Thursday that this regulation will be enforced following a two-week public awareness initiative, after which fines will be levied on both drivers and passengers found without helmets.

The requirement applies universally to all motorcyclists, regardless of gender. Officials have stated this safety measure is projected to enhance accident survival rates by approximately 50%.

This initiative comes as motorcycles remain a primary means of accessible transportation for many, particularly in a nation where a substantial segment of the populace, exceeding 40%, subsists below the World Bank’s recently adjusted international poverty threshold of $4.20 per individual daily.

Motorcycles, while practical and economic, are also susceptible to accidents. These accidents frequently lead to severe or fatal outcomes, often stemming from factors such as driver error or the absence of essential safety equipment like helmets.

Although motorcycle drivers often wear helmets, pillion riders frequently do not, making them vulnerable to significant harm or even fatality in the event of a collision.

This issue is demonstrated by the traffic conditions in Karachi. So far this year, over 370 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 5,500 have sustained injuries in various traffic incidents throughout Karachi, with motorcycle accidents accounting for the majority of these occurrences.

The current year’s death toll from incidents involving heavy vehicles stands at 138.

Reports from rescue services indicate that the city experienced 775 fatalities and 8,111 injuries due to road accidents in 2024.