IT was rather amusing to read two news reports appearing on road safety and accidents in Karachi the same day (May 18). The first titled `98pc drivers lack understanding of traffic rules and safety, moot told` was the coverage of a presentation at a seminar by the chief of Sindh Police Accident Analysis and Research Centre. I do not agree with the assessment, and insist that all violators of traffic rules are fully aware of the rules.

Among the various reasons for such mass-level non-compliance are people`s passion for shortcuts, impatience and adventurism, but the main reason is that they are not scared ofthe custodians of the traffic rules. The violators are fully confident that either no one will check them, or, if caught, they will use `influence` and move away freely at a very nominal and hassle-free cost.

The second of the two reports was titled `Over 43,000 motorbikes seized for helmet violation as crackdown continues across city`. It is a peculiar method adopted by the Karachi traffic police.

The campaign is launched for a defined period. Thereafter, there is no such check on the roads. The same applies to campaigns targeting cars with tinted glasses, or fancy number plates, and even unregistered cars, rickshaws and motorcycles.

In other words, there are no traffic lawsapplicable during the non-campaign days.

It is a healthy sign that the Sindh government now seems to be serious about enforcing stringent laws and taking measures to improve road safety. It has formed a special committee to develop comprehensive traffic management and enforcement strategies.

To tackle traffic violations, automated detection systems are being implemented, and exclusive traffic courts are being set up to handle cases ofviolations effectively. These are all good steps.

Only by taking strict measures, making laws and implementing them in the right spirit can we hope to see sanity on Karachi roads.

No mercy or leniency should be shown to those who do not respect the law. And, of course, the implementation of laws should cover the `non-campaign` days as well.

S. Zaki Hasan Karachi