Motorways in Pakistan, like other countries, are the primary source of connectivity among the cities, and a large number of commercial and private vehicles travel on them daily. Like other roads, accidents are a major aspect of the motorways, and it is highlighted by recent data shared by the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP). In the said data about Lahore-Multan Motorway (M3) specifically, the major reasons for these accidents have been shared along with the methods to avoid them.
Major Reasons for Accidents
As per the motorway authorities:
- 43.42% of accidents happen due to dozing at wheels on this road.
- Careless driving is the reason for 27.63% of accidents.
- Tyre burst/wheel problems lead to 14.47% of the mishaps on M3.
- Meanwhile, Pedestrian crossings, slippery roads, and mechanical faults are the reasons for 6.58%, 5.26%, and 2.63% of the accidents, respectively.
Precautionary Measures
To reduce dozing at the wheel accidents on Motorway M-3 in Pakistan, consider the following precautionary measures and steps:
- Take a 15 to 30-minute break every 2-3 hours to stretch, move around, and rest.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and sugary drinks that can lead to energy crashes.
- Ensure proper seat height and lumbar support, and adjust mirrors to avoid fatigue.
- Educate passengers to recognize signs of driver fatigue and alert the driver to take breaks.
- Use of anti-dozing devices (e.g., steering wheel alarms, driver monitoring systems).
Counter Steps by NHMP
Meanwhile, in Collaboration with PakWheels, NHMP to offer special discounts on the following items to avoid any mishaps and accidents on the road:
- The police are offering refreshing face washes to help drivers stay alert.
- The force will provide free chewing gums at toll booths, and rest stops to help drivers avoid dozing off at the wheel during the journey.
- Last but not least, the police will advise and assist commuters in getting their vehicles regularly checked to maintain vehicle condition, including tire pressure, brakes, and suspension.
Timing of Accidents
As per the data available to NHMP, most cars and buses are involved in dozing at-wheel accidents from 12 am to 6 am, mainly because it is late in the night, there is very little traffic on the road, and obviously the natural sleep cycle for the human body.
