The Lahore Traffic Police has implemented a new law requiring all individuals riding motorcycles -- both drivers and passengers, regardless of their gender -- to wear helmets.
The order, issued by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Athar Waheed, aims to improve road safety and reduce fatalities caused by head injuries in accidents.
According to traffic officials, a one-week grace period has been granted to woman riders to comply with the new regulation. After this period, strict action will be taken against violators, including the issuance of challans (fines).
"Motorcycle riders, especially online bike riders, often consider buying a second helmet a financial burden. However, this measure is critical to saving lives," CTO Waheed emphasized.
Officials revealed that Lahore has eight million registered vehicles, 53% of which are motorcycles. The high volume of motorcycles on the roads makes helmet usage a top priority for reducing accidents.
Helmet usage has already shown significant results in reducing fatalities. Data indicates that wearing helmets decreases the death rate in motorcycle accidents by 26%. The Traffic Police aims to halve the fatality rate from head injuries with this new directive.
The enforcement of this rule is particularly targeted at promoting safer practices among the city's growing population of online bike riders and delivery personnel, who are frequently on the move.