Surveillance Insights into Road Traffic Injury Burden in Lahore, Pakistan: A Call for Policy Action

Abstract

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major public health issue in Pakistan, particularly among users of motorized two-wheelers. This study assessed the magnitude and characteristics of RTIs involving motorized two-wheelers in Lahore, Pakistan, over a three-month period from January to March 2022. A retrospective descriptive surveillance design was employed using data from the Rescue 1122 Road Traffic Injuries Surveillance System in collaboration with three tertiary care hospitals: Lahore General Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Mayo Hospital. All injured or deceased victims of motorized two-wheeler crashes presenting to emergency departments during the study period were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics to determine distributions by vehicle type, age, sex, and crash location. Across all hospitals, motorized two-wheelers accounted for 65%–87% of all recorded accidents, with males representing 80%–88% of victims and females 12%–20%. The 25–50 years age group was the most affected, reflecting high exposure and commuting activity. Major hotspots included Thokar Chowk, Chungi Umer Sidhu, Band Road, and Kot Lakhpat Industrial Area, locations known for dense traffic and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations. The findings demonstrate that motorized two-wheelers are the predominant contributors to RTIs in Lahore, disproportionately impacting economically active males. Strengthened helmet legislation, improved road engineering, strict traffic law enforcement, and sustained RTI surveillance are urgently needed to mitigate this preventable burden and inform data-driven policy reforms in Pakistan.