Ever been to DEATH JUNCTION? Let us take a quick tour!

Let me walk you through the haunts and daunts of I-8/3 crossroads

Not a day goes by when there is not at least a single accident on the crossroads, where Sahabzada Abdul Qayyum Road intersects Mir Chaakar Khan Road at Western corner of I-8/3, Islamabad.

Screeeeeeech……..! And bang. This is the sound I often hear in the day.

Since I work in the vicinity of this crossroads, where I have witnessed more accidents, first-hand, than I have brushed my teeth, I am truly haunted by the very notion of crossing it or even taking a U-turn to get as far away from this freak of a place as possible. My first priority of the day, when I come to my office, is to avoid this junction. The place really gives me the creeps like I am on the tour of a death tunnel at Disney World or something.

The reason why this place claims so many car bumpers, fenders, doors, wind screens, tyre rubber and whatnot is clearly unfathomable but one thing is clear as a day. This junction is more dangerous when the traffic signals are working. However, thanks to the ‘surplus’ supply of electricity, they are more often out of service.

The reason for an accident here, when the traffic lights are working, is simple. Normally, traffic signals work on two schemata; the parallel lights are green and perpendicular signals are red, or forward and right-turn signals are a ‘Go’ and all other sides are a ‘Stop’. This particular junction follows none.

The scheme this place follows is: the parallel lights are green, as well as the corresponding rights turns, confusing the drivers and forcing the traffic into frizzle. Normally, the chaos here portrays the picture of the intellect of Islamabad Traffic Police.

But that is when the signals are working. However, when they are out of order, the junction claims even more injuries and car structures. There is no explanation to the ordeal witnessed every day, perhaps it is the sole fault of our sloppy and arrogant driving.

Patience is a virtue and Pakistanis lack certain traits of a civilized society and I, for one, do witness it every day. I am not saying that my driving skills are impeccable or I am some sort of a driving prodigy but I do exercise patience, especially when there is a school nearby or a hospital in the neighbourhood. And sadly this place has both.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=14886

Posted by Usman Khalid on Mar 7 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.