The idea of making the
twin-cities a traffic signal-free zone is turning out to be drastic.
The most of the signals in Islamabad have been turned off and a U-turn has been
provided after 100 to 200 meters. When the traffic turning to the other side
uses the U-turns, it becomes very dangerous for the traffic on both sides.
Accident is on the mercy of the anticipation of the U-turner. If the
anticipation is wrong, it can be fatal, or atleast very dangerous. The fast
approaching vehicles always get confused and drive very tentatively whenever
they pass a U-turn, just because the vehicles seeking for an opportunity to
turn. This scenario becomes more problematic when a driver anticipating for
U-turn and decides late not to go forth. When that driver applies sudden brakes,
the following vehicles bang into the preceding one. As the U-turning vehicles
have to come to the fast-lane, so it can end up into a drastic crash. On the
other hand, the purpose of making Islamabad and Rawalpindi signal-free has not
at all served its cause.
Before this ‘progressive idea’, the automobiles had to wait for a certain time
on the signal. They knew when their turn is on to move, they knew how much they
have to wait. Things were according to merit. But now, not only they have to
travel 100 to 200 meters in extra (double of this distance if they U-turn), but
also creating uncertainty for their own selves and the ones on the other side,
coming fast. If it ends up on an accident, then it would be another huge minus
to this very thing. Even on some signals, the U-turn is very far. The U-turn on
Shamsabad is about 01 Km away from the signal. So, if you are coming from Double
road (Stadium road) and need to go to the right side of Murree road (Benazir
Bhutto Shaheed road) towards 6th road, then you have to travel approximately 02
Km in extra. Same is the case with those who are coming from Faizabad and need
to go to the Double road. How come this be a signal-free traffic system or an
un-interrupted traffic system?
(Muhammad Azam)