Using Overhead Bridges While Crossing Roads
By: Zaheer Ahmed Awan
One of the key indicators of a civilized and developed society is the discipline, lawfulness, and sense of responsibility among its citizens.
All over the world, pedestrians are required to follow safety rules when crossing roads. On highways, motorways, and expressways, walking or crossing on foot is strictly prohibited, and violations result in heavy fines — because one careless step can cost a precious life.
Unfortunately, in our country, people often ignore such safety measures.
In cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and on busy roads such as IJP Road, Expressway, GT Road, and Murree Road, pedestrian overhead bridges have been built at great expense to ensure safe crossings.
However, despite these facilities, many people including women, children, and the elderly continue to cross busy roads directly, risking not only their own lives but also the lives of others.
When a person crosses a road carelessly, they put their own life in danger on one hand and, on the other hand, cause accidents that endanger the lives of others.
This is not just personal negligence but a serious violation of social responsibility. It is time we all work together to solve this important issue and build a safer society for everyone.
It is a common sight that people jump over barriers or run between speeding vehicles instead of using the bridge.
Some women, even with small children, prefer crossing the road directly rather than climbing the stairs of a bridge.
This behaviour has led to several serious and fatal accidents.
The overhead bridges are constructed with public money to protect lives, but when they are not used, that purpose is defeated.
Different citizen action committees have repeatedly launched awareness campaigns to educate people about using overhead bridges. Volunteers have even stood along roads, appealing to pedestrians to use the bridges. Yet, the problem remains unchanged due to a lack of public awareness and weak enforcement of laws.
It is time for the government to take this matter seriously.
Strict legal action should be taken against those who ignore pedestrian safety laws.
Both sides of busy roads should be fenced to prevent people from crossing directly, surveillance cameras should be installed for monitoring, and violators should face penalties and fines.
The public must also realize that these laws are meant for their protection, not inconvenience.
Climbing a few extra steps on a bridge may take a minute, but it can save a life.
A few moments of haste can destroy families forever therefore, patience, awareness, and responsibility are essential when crossing roads.
Social development is not only about building infrastructure like bridges and roads it is about using them properly.
The safety of life, both one’s own and others’, is a shared responsibility.
Life is precious do not risk it for a few seconds of convenience.
Let us all play our part in making our roads safer and our society more responsible.
