LAHORE: As many as 64 improper and dangerous U-turns have been completely shut down on the national highway in last couple of months. According to the National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP) spokesman on Sunday, the Motorway Police Central Zone, adopting the policy of zero tolerance, has closed improper U-turns in the area of Okara (Sector 33), Multan (Sector 28) and Rahim Yar Khan (Sector 3). The NH&MP has also closed the U-turns in the area of Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Mian Chanu, Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran, Bhawalpur, Ahmed Pur East and Sadiqabad. The improper and dangerous U-turns are the most serious threat to road safety and can result in serious injuries and fatalities, said the spokesman, adding that in 2015, 14 deaths were caused due to illegal U-turns on national highway. NH&MP DIG Mirza Faran Baig said the consequences of an accident caused by U-turns are often fatal. “It is an unexpected maneuver and usually does not allow time for the faster moving vehicle to change the course and avoid the accident. Drivers are putting their own lives and the lives of other road users at serious risk when doing so at the wrong place and in the incorrect manner,” he added. The side impact always results in serious outcome, as there is not enough space between the occupants and the impact source, he said, adding that the oncoming vehicle does not expect a vehicle making a u-turn and cannot make necessary maneuvers at the last moment, which results in an accident. The DIG said that the illegal U-turns on national highways are permanent hazards for the free flow of traffic and road safety. He instructed the sector commanders to enhance the coordination with National Highway Authority to remove the illegal U-turns and encroachments.