By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: At least 12 people lost their lives and 1,564 others were injured in 1,360 road traffic crashes (RTCs) reported across Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to the Emergency Services Department (ESD).

An ESD spokesperson said 651 critically injured victims were shifted to various hospitals for treatment, while 913 people with minor injuries received first aid at the scene from Rescue Medical Teams, reducing the burden on hospitals.

The department’s analysis revealed that motorbikes were involved in 79% of all reported crashes, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved lane discipline to curb the rising number of road accidents.

Among the victims were 900 drivers, 56 underage drivers, 169 pedestrians, and 507 passengers.

Lahore recorded the highest number of accidents, with 328 road traffic crashes affecting 400 people. It was followed by Multan, where 96 crashes injured 112 people, while Faisalabad ranked third with 73 crashes involving 77 victims.

The report further showed that a total of 1,576 victims were affected, including 1,278 men and 298 women. In terms of age, 325 victims were under 18 years, 830 were between 18 and 40 years, and 421 were above 40 years of age.

According to official data, the accidents involved 1,409 motorcycles, 93 auto-rickshaws, 148 cars, 25 vans, 16 passenger buses, 33 trucks, and 56 other vehicles and slow-moving carts.

The Emergency Services Department reiterated the importance of responsible driving, adherence to traffic regulations, and the use of protective safety measures, particularly for motorcyclists, to help reduce road traffic casualties across the province.