Safety first! Top German envoy in Pakistan has this important road-safety advice for bikers

ISLAMABAD – German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler, who himself enjoys riding a motorcycle, has a message for other riders about the road safety measures.

Taking to Twitter Saturday, the Germany envoy is seen spreading awareness about safety, especially motorcycle safety, and urging the riders to wear a helmet.

“Dear followers, I like to drive motorcycles, particularly in Pakistan but we have to take some precautions,” Mr Martin said in a video message the social messaging site.

https://twitter.com/KoblerinPAK/status/1071289709589131265

“The first rule is to always wear a helmet, he urged. There are 15,000 people dying on roads of Pakistan roads every year and in 80% of car accidents, motorbikes are involved,” he explained.

“Here are some of his other rules on road safety for motorcyclists: Always look at intersections to make sure the car in front of you isn’t changing their course; Check to see if the car in front of you isn’t changing lanes; Never trust a parked car because they might open their doors.

“If you respect these fundamental rules and wear a helmet, which can save your life and prevent lifelong health hazards, then I think you’re much safer on the roads and I wish all of us safe travels,” said Kobler.

He ended his video with a note to young people to wear a helmet even if it spoils their hair. “Go to the hairdresser later. Safety first!”

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/german-ambassador-warns-pakistani-visa-seekers-to-avoid-fake-credentials/

The Punjab government has recently imposed a new rule in Lahore under which people will be penalised for not wearing their helmets while riding motorcyclists. This includes passengers too. The violators would face Rs 1,000 fine on the issue.

An order by the Lahore Hight Court also binds the traffic police to issue challan tickets to motorcyclists having no side mirrors on their bikes.

Meanwhile, an awareness campaign is underway at all educational institutions, while announcements regarding this new law are being made in mosques through loudspeakers all across the city.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Pakistan 25.3 deaths per 100,000 occur due to road accidents, which is much higher than international ranking.