Dangerous crossings

THE photo story on the recently inaugurated Hanif flyover, more than anything, brings forth the state of road 'unsafety' in our country. Not only do we have some of the highest statistics in terms of road collisions and casualties -- most of them due to negligence and reckless driving -- but the dangers that pedestrians, too, put themselves in is a common sight on the streets. They cross the roads at will, never minding the traffic and pedestrian signals, of which there are too few anyway. Many refuse to use the sidewalks and footover bridges built for pedestrians and would rather walk on and cross the busy streets. It should be mentioned, however, that most footpaths are broken or taken up by vendors, as are many of the overbridges too. The newly-built flyover in question is supposed to be off-limits to pedestrians but, as the photo story shows, they are using it not only at will but in a precarious manner -- jaywalking, transporting goods and even babies!
Pedestrians must be more cautious in the way they use the roads. At the same time, the streets must be made more pedestrian-friendly as well, with more pedestrian crossings, and better avenues for them to use. The traffic police, too, have a duty to guide pedestrians in the right manner, but ultimately, we ourselves must value our own lives and those of others.