EXPLORING THE RISKY ACTS OF NON-OWNED VEHICLE’S DRIVERS AND ROAD ACCIDENTS IN DISTRICT CHITRAL, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN

Abstract

Road accident is considered one of the challenging public health problems across the worldwide. About millions of people lost their lives and have severe injuries because of road accidents. Almost, driver’s mistakes have been recorded 90% of total road accidents. The main objective of this study is to explore the risky acts of non-owned vehicles drivers and road accidents in Chitral and to identify the precautionary measures that can lessen road accidents. In this study qualitative approach is used where the researcher collected data from drivers, public, and police through in-depth interviews in recorded form. Risk Society Theory demonstrate the data that modernization has increased heavy traffic on roads which compel drivers to take risks while Deterrence Theory suggest the risky acts of drivers can be controlled by the help of formal and informal means. According to this study’s finding the risky acts of non-owned vehicles drivers prone to road accidents in Chitral. Most non-owned vehicle’s drivers are unskillful, inexperienced, and license less. The drivers took risks for the sake of economic burden by overloading and over speeding to take first turn for first trip. The drivers use mobile phone (calling and texting), use drugs (BONG, a kind of chars in black color), and driving in darkness in mountainous roads. Such risky acts can be controlled strictly enforcing laws by administration.