Helmet Now Mandatory for All Motorcyclists and Passengers in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD- (Mudassar Chaudhary): In a significant step to enhance road safety, Islamabad authorities have made it mandatory for both motorcyclists and pillion passengers to wear helmets, regardless of gender. The new rule will come into effect after a two-week awareness campaign, Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider announced on Thursday.

The initiative, aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries caused by road accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles, will see fines imposed on both riders and passengers who fail to comply after the grace period ends.

“Wearing a helmet can increase the survival rate in road accidents by up to 50%. This rule will apply equally to male and female riders and passengers,” said CTO Haider, emphasizing the life-saving importance of helmets.

Motorcycles remain one of the most affordable and widely used modes of transportation in Pakistan, especially among lower-income groups. Over 40% of the country’s population lives below the World Bank’s poverty threshold of $4.20 per day, making motorcycles a practical commuting option.

However, the rise in motorcycle usage has also led to a surge in road accidents. Lack of helmet use remains a major factor contributing to fatal injuries, especially among passengers who often ride without any protective gear.

The gravity of the issue is reflected in Karachi’s alarming road safety statistics, where over 370 lives have been lost and more than 5,500 people injured in road accidents—mostly involving motorcycles—this year alone. In 2024, the city reported 775 deaths and 8,111 injuries from traffic incidents, highlighting the urgent need for strict safety regulations.

The Islamabad traffic police plan to run a widespread awareness campaign in the coming days to educate the public on the new rule and the critical importance of wearing helmets.

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Officials hope that the implementation of this rule will serve as a model for other cities and significantly reduce the number of fatalities caused by road accidents involving motorcycles.