Karachi Introduces Drug Tests and New Safety Measures for Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Karachi Introduces Drug Tests and New Safety Measures for Heavy Vehicle Drivers
KARACHI: In response to the rising number of road accidents, the Sindh government has announced strict new measures targeting heavy vehicle drivers in Karachi, ARY News reported.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that all drivers of heavy vehicles will now be required to undergo mandatory drug testing to ensure they are fit to drive. Additionally, the speed limit for heavy vehicles has been reduced to 30 kilometers per hour in a move to enhance road safety.
The minister also shared that obtaining a heavy vehicle driving license will now involve stricter requirements, ensuring only qualified drivers are allowed on the roads. Authorities have been instructed to enforce helmet use among motorcyclists to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.
The new measures follow a wave of violent protests in Karachi, where at least 11 dumpers and tankers were set ablaze after a motorcyclist was crushed by a heavy vehicle in North Karachi. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Daniyal, is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Earlier, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah told ARY News that the city plans to implement digital monitoring of heavy traffic to prevent future accidents. Under new directives, dumpers must install front and rear cameras, as well as trackers, allowing traffic authorities to monitor vehicle movements in real-time from a central control room.
These actions aim to curb the increasing number of road incidents involving heavy vehicles across Karachi.