Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has proposed changes to motorcycle manufacturing standards to ensure that side-view mirror supports are permanently installed, aiming to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents.
Shirazi has written to the Punjab secretary for industries, calling for measures that would make it harder for motorcyclists to remove the supports and encourage the regular use of side-view mirrors.
According to the letter, 62% of traffic accidents in Lahore were attributed to improper signaling and a failure to take precautions while changing lanes.
The CTO said riding without side-view mirrors further increases the risk of collisions because motorcyclists have limited visibility of vehicles approaching from behind or from either side.
Lahore CTO Links Mirror Use for Accident Prevention
Side-view mirrors help riders assess surrounding traffic before turning, overtaking or changing lanes. Without them, motorcyclists may struggle to identify approaching vehicles, increasing the risk of dangerous manoeuvres.
Shirazi said the proposed manufacturing changes would help riders monitor traffic more effectively and make safer decisions on busy roads.
The proposal recommends permanently fixing the rods or supports that hold motorcycle mirrors in place while allowing the mirrors themselves to be removed when necessary. It also calls for measures to discourage riders from removing their mirrors during routine use.
Helmet Compliance Improves on Lahore Roads
The CTO also highlighted improvements in helmet use among motorcyclists in Lahore.
According to the letter, helmet compliance has reached 97% on model roads and more than 88% on other roads. Shirazi said side-view mirrors are another important safety feature and should be used alongside helmets.
While helmets help protect riders in the event of a crash, mirrors can help prevent accidents by improving awareness of surrounding traffic. The proposal seeks to address both aspects of motorcycle safety.
Manufacturers and Authorities May Be Consulted
The CTO has called for consultations with relevant government departments and motorcycle manufacturers to discuss the proposed changes.
Any revision to manufacturing standards would require coordination between the relevant authorities and the industry to determine how the requirements could be implemented.
If adopted, the proposal could make mirror supports a more consistent feature of motorcycles sold in Pakistan and encourage riders to keep their mirrors available for everyday use.
The proposal is intended to improve visibility, support safer lane changes and reduce the risk of road accidents and fatalities. However, its implementation will depend on the decisions of the relevant authorities following consultations with manufacturers and other stakeholders.
