Electric vehicles raise road safety concerns in DG Khan

Electric vehicles raise road safety concerns in DG Khan

DERA GHAZI KHAN: The growing use of electric bikes, scooters and cars has made transportation easier and more accessible for residents of Dera Ghazi Khan, particularly women, girls and young riders. Electric vehicles have become increasingly visible on city roads as people turn to them as a convenient and relatively affordable alternative to conventional motorcycles and cars.

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles, however, has also created new concerns about road safety and traffic discipline. Residents and civil society members say many new riders take to busy roads without receiving proper training or developing a basic understanding of traffic regulations.

According to civil society representatives, inexperienced riders often struggle with lane discipline, safe overtaking, proper turning and maintaining control in congested areas. Such practices can create confusion for other motorists and increase the possibility of road accidents, particularly on busy roads and intersections.

They said electric bikes and scooters may appear easier to operate than conventional motorcycles, but riders still need to understand basic road safety principles before using them in heavy traffic. Knowledge of traffic signs, speed limits, right-of-way rules, braking techniques and safe turning can help riders avoid dangerous situations.

The representatives also stressed the importance of helmet use. While some electric-vehicle riders regularly wear helmets and follow traffic rules, many others continue to travel without adequate safety equipment. They urged riders to treat helmets and other safety precautions as essential rather than optional measures.

The situation has also highlighted concerns regarding young riders. Civil society members said children and inexperienced teenagers should receive proper guidance and supervision before riding electric bikes or scooters on public roads. They maintained that allowing inexperienced riders to enter congested traffic without adequate knowledge could put both the riders and other road users at risk.

They called on the district administration and traffic police to introduce dedicated awareness and training programmes for people who are new to electric vehicles. Such programmes could include practical lessons on traffic signs, lane discipline, defensive riding, braking, turning and responsible road behaviour.

Civil society members said regular awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and local communities could further promote responsible riding habits. They also urged authorities to strengthen enforcement of existing traffic regulations without discouraging the use of environmentally friendly transportation.

They said proper training and greater public awareness can help reduce accidents, improve traffic discipline and ensure that the growing use of electric vehicles contributes to safer and more convenient urban mobility in Dera Ghazi Khan.