The accident claims scheme is good, but strong action is needed to reduce mishaps
The state government, under the Transport Department’s Road Accident Claim Scheme, has provided financial relief of Rs 5.4 crore to families of road accident victims since 2020. The compensation scheme, processing over one crore rupees annually, has emerged as a crucial safety net for bereaved families, approving 272 of 314 applications received. Each approved case of death in a road accident receives a maximum Rs 2 lakh compensation, providing tangible relief during families’ most challenging times. Besides, the scheme provides for payment to accident victims suffering from permanent injury, or to those requiring hospitalisation.
However, this substantial payout highlights a concerning reality – Goa continues to witness hundreds of road accidents annually despite various preventive initiatives. Government data reveals the state has invested Rs 6.17 crore in comprehensive road safety measures through its dedicated Road Safety Fund. Educational initiatives form the cornerstone of prevention efforts, with Road Safety Patrol schemes actively promoted in schools where students receive training in traffic signals, road regulations, and Motor Vehicle Act provisions. The Traffic Warden Scheme enables citizen participation in road safety management, while annual Road Safety Week celebrations and National Road Safety Month observances create sustained public awareness.
Enforcement capabilities have been significantly strengthened through strategic equipment procurement. The state has purchased three interceptor vehicles for traffic police along with alcometers for detecting drunk driving – a major accident contributor – and 13 enforcement vehicles for RTOs. Megaphones for traffic management and reflective belts for stray cattle address both communication and unique local challenges. Infrastructure improvements represent another critical investment area. Authorities regularly forward road improvement proposals to civic bodies, recommending road widening, slip-way creation, speed breaker installation, and thermoplastic road marking applications. Identified accident-prone zones and black spots receive priority attention, with detailed improvement plans submitted to the Public Works Department.
The Training Rules Understanding and Safety Training (TRUST) programme offers refresher courses for drivers whose licences face suspension due to violations. Despite these comprehensive measures, accident statistics remain concerning. Though officials claim a 12% reduction in road fatalities, the persistent need for compensation payments suggests more aggressive preventive action may be necessary. The state needs to take more efforts to bring down the rate drastically. It is achievable provided an action plan is formulated and followed by efficient enforcement. Effective awareness of Do’s and Don’ts for drivers is needed, along with tightening the licensing system, rectifying black spots, improving road illumination, ensuring proper functioning of traffic signals, and deploying policemen to check violations, at least on highways. As a welfare state, it is to be appreciated that the government is implementing the Road Accident Claim Scheme, and awareness needs to be created about the scheme at the grassroots level. On Saturday, three persons were injured after a passenger bus rammed into the stalls of the Ashtami fair in Panaji. This incident has also raised the question of whether road engineering is a factor for accidents on this stretch. Authorities need to investigate, and if true, take necessary action. On its part, the government must take major steps on the ground to reduce road accidents.
