KARACHI: Strict adherence to traffic laws, safe driving practices and the use of helmets and seat belts can prevent around 70 per cent of road accidents, while greater public awareness and responsible behaviour on the roads are essential to protecting precious human lives, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT) Karachi Director Dr Sabir Memon said on Friday.
They were addressing the second day of activities organised as part of Trauma Awareness Week 2026 at SMBBIT Karachi, where a special interactive inter-institutional panel discussion was held on the theme, “How Can We Prevent Injuries and Accidents in Our Society?”
The discussion brought together representatives from healthcare institutions, emergency response services, traffic police and other relevant organisations to examine ways to prevent injuries, reduce road accidents and strengthen public awareness.
Dr Sabir Memon said human life was a priceless blessing and protecting it from unnecessary risks was a shared responsibility of individuals, institutions and society as a whole.
He said reckless driving, unnecessary haste on the roads, failure to wear helmets or seat belts, and disregard for traffic regulations could have devastating consequences for individuals and their families.
He added that organising Trauma Awareness Week was an important initiative by SMBBIT to educate the public and fulfil its social responsibility by promoting awareness about accident prevention.
Emphasising the need for behavioural change, Dr Memon said sustainable improvements required a better understanding of the causes of accidents, increased public awareness and the adoption of safe driving as a social norm.
DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said that approximately 70 per cent of road accidents could be prevented through compliance with traffic laws.
“Putting your own life or someone else’s life at risk just to save a few minutes on the road is not sensible,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining safe speeds, obeying traffic signals, using protective equipment and adopting responsible driving practices.
He further said that around 70 per cent of the cases received at the Karachi Trauma Centre involved victims of road traffic accidents, while the recovery rate among patients was encouraging.
Dr Memon, in his keynote address, reiterated that accident prevention was a collective responsibility and every human life was valuable.
He identified compliance with traffic regulations, safe driving speeds, helmet and seat belt use, avoiding mobile phones while driving, and respecting the right of way of other road users as essential measures to reduce the risk of serious accidents.
He stressed that coordinated efforts among hospitals, rescue services, traffic police, public health experts and local communities could make trauma prevention initiatives more effective.
According to Dr Memon, SMBBIT provides round-the-clock emergency medical services, ensuring timely medical assistance and access to essential treatment for people affected by accidents and severe injuries.
He said the Karachi Trauma Centre received more than 550 patients daily, with approximately 80 per cent of them recovering.
He added that the institution provided treatment completely free of charge, playing a vital role in delivering emergency healthcare to the public. However, he emphasised that treatment alone could not address the growing burden of injuries and accidents, making preventive measures and public education equally important.
Other participants in the panel discussion included chief guest Professor Anis Bhatti, member of the SMBBIT Governing Body; Dr Abid Jalal, Chief Operating Officer of Rescue 1122; Dr Jameel, Head of the Emergency Department at Dow Trauma Hospital; Dr Mukhtiar Bhayo, representing the World Health Organization (WHO) in Sindh; Dr Nosheen, Deputy Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC); and Deputy Superintendent of Police Ali Sawad.
The speakers highlighted the need for stronger coordination among relevant institutions, effective enforcement of traffic laws and sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce road accidents and serious injuries.
They emphasised that making safe driving a routine social practice was essential to reducing preventable injuries, easing the burden on emergency healthcare facilities and safeguarding human lives.