Table of Contents
ISLAMABAD: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has announced a new safety regulation making it mandatory for all passengers traveling in public transport vehicles to wear seat belts at all times. The move, according to the NHMP, aims to significantly reduce road accidents and minimize the severity of injuries in case of collisions.
A spokesperson for the NHMP stated that the rule applies to buses, coaches, and other passenger vehicles using national highways and motorways. Bus drivers, conductors, and other staff members have been directed to ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts before and during the journey.
Fines for Passengers Without Seat Belts
Under the new directive, any passenger found traveling without a seat belt will face immediate fines. The NHMP clarified that the responsibility does not lie solely with the individual passenger but also with the bus staff and operators, who are required to enforce the rule.
To ensure compliance, NHMP patrol units will conduct regular inspections on motorways and highways. These checks will include monitoring passengers’ seat belt usage and examining whether buses are equipped with properly functioning seat belts for every seat.
No Entry for Buses Without Seat Belts
The spokesperson further warned that public transport vehicles without seat belt facilities will not be allowed to enter the motorway network. Operators have been instructed to install seat belts in all seats of their buses, and failure to comply will result in the vehicle being turned away at the toll plaza.
Section 144 Imposed in Murree for Independence Day Celebrations
“This measure is part of our zero-tolerance policy towards road safety violations,” the spokesperson said. “We will not compromise on the safety of passengers, and operators must treat this as a priority.”
Legal and Moral Responsibility of Passengers and Operators
The NHMP urged both passengers and transport companies to view this rule not just as a legal obligation, but also as a moral responsibility. Wearing a seat belt has been proven to save lives, and road safety experts have long advocated for stricter enforcement in Pakistan’s public transport sector.
According to traffic safety studies, seat belts reduce the risk of death in road accidents by up to 50% for front-seat occupants and by about 25% for rear-seat passengers. Despite these statistics, seat belt usage in Pakistan has historically been low, especially in buses and vans.
Road Safety Awareness Campaigns to Follow
The NHMP has announced that it will launch a public awareness campaign alongside the enforcement drive. The campaign will include educational sessions for drivers, public service messages, and roadside demonstrations showing how seat belts can save lives during accidents.
The department also plans to coordinate with transport unions and bus terminal authorities to ensure that drivers and conductors are trained to enforce the rule effectively. In addition, NHMP officers will distribute informational leaflets at toll plazas to inform passengers about the fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Expert Opinion: Why This Step Matters
Road safety experts have welcomed the NHMP’s move, calling it a crucial step towards reducing Pakistan’s high rate of road fatalities. “Motorway journeys are high-speed by nature, and without seat belts, passengers are at great risk during sudden braking or collisions,” said one traffic safety analyst. “This measure, if properly enforced, can save thousands of lives annually.”
