Is the new transport law enough?

Road accidents took over 2,400 lives so far this year and caused injuries to many more. While accidents cannot be ruled out before they actually happen, accidents resulting out of reckless driving cannot be condoned at all.

I would be failing my conscience if I do not give credit to those brave students who, with their indomitable spirit, stood resolute in their endeavor to bring discipline to the road transport sector. The students proved something that we have all known all along but never practiced or enforced, that when there is a strong will, nothing is insurmountable.

What seemed to be a herculean task once, the students managed to do that. They restored sanity on the roads, at least for a few days. It is in response to the sacrifices of these enterprising students that the administration was moved to put things in order as far as our chaotic traffic system is concerned.

The government should be commended for the expeditious cabinet approval of the draft road transport bill that had been in hibernation for over a year. However, I feel that the government should review the proposed punishment offered by the law. The punishment for road accidents has to be determined based on the severity of the offence.

Javed Hyder Kareem, By e-mail