To tackle the rising number of road accidents in Karachi, the Sindh government has implemented mandatory drug tests for all heavy vehicle drivers.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the move as part of several new traffic regulations aimed at improving road safety in the city.
Minister Memon emphasized that the drug tests are intended to ensure that drivers of heavy vehicles are fit to operate their vehicles safely.
In addition to drug testing, the government has reduced the speed limit for heavy traffic to 30 kilometers per hour. This action aims to minimize accidents and improve traffic flow across Karachi.
The Sindh government is tightening the qualifications required to obtain driving licenses for heavy vehicles to further enhance road safety. Qualified drivers will operate these vehicles, helping to reduce accidents caused by unfit drivers.
The government is also enforcing stricter helmet regulations for motorcyclists, aiming to reduce fatalities from head injuries. By mandating helmet use, authorities hope to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents.
The new measures come after violent protests in Karachi, sparked by a fatal accident involving a dumper truck and a motorcyclist in North Karachi. Protesters set fire to at least 11 heavy vehicles, including dumpers and tankers, across various areas of the city.
To address these ongoing issues, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah has mandated the installation of front and back-view cameras in dumpers. Additionally, the government will install trackers in all heavy vehicles, allowing traffic police to monitor vehicle movements in real time from their control room, aiding in accident investigations and improving safety enforcement.