To promote tourism on large scale, proactive measures to prevent accidents are must
Recently, there has been a spurt in tourist-related accidents across the state, particularly in northern areas. Growing tourist arrivals and the recent rise in the number of high-powered vehicles make it a no-brainer that a state that plays host to visitors from far and wide is going to face such issues. But what really needs serious attention is whether the authorities are undertaking much-needed preventive action to reduce them.
Tourist-related accidents and safety concerns arise especially during peak seasons. Yet, we are seeing the season extend to more parts of the year, so certain unpredictability sets in. Such mishaps are part of a broader pattern rather than just an isolated problem.
Local authorities have acknowledged that a significant proportion of traffic incidents involve tourists. This particularly applies to those driving rented vehicles, with rash or negligent driving and drunk driving cited as contributory factors. Fatal crashes have been occurring regularly on busy stretches. Alongside road safety, coastal and water-related incidents are also statistically significant. In 2025, lifeguards and rescue teams reported about one tourist rescue per day along beaches and waterfalls, largely for drownings, heat-related distress or marine injuries. Officials promise stricter safety norms, traffic enforcement and enhanced rescue infrastructure. Yet, tourism-linked accidents – on roads, beaches and in nightlife settings – remain an ongoing public safety challenge in Goa.
Such mishaps stem from rash or inexperienced driving, drunk driving and over-speeding. Poor helmet and seat-belt compliance is another issue. For tourists, there is the additional factor of unfamiliarity with the terrain and distracted driving. Road design and infrastructure gaps are often complex to address, especially in densely inhabited areas. Overloaded or poorly maintained rental vehicles could be another factor; those hiring out vehicles need to explain the risks of driving through a densely populated region with its multiple zigzagging roads.
Many causes are clearly preventable. But is Goa sufficiently seized of the issue? Traffic mishaps mostly stem from human behaviour, not unavoidable mechanical failure or freak events. The biggest causes – speeding, drunk driving, not wearing helmets, riding without experience and distracted driving – are all controllable through stricter enforcement, better rental regulation and individual caution. Studies worldwide consistently show that lower speeds reduce both crash rates and the severity of fatalities; helmet and seat-belt use dramatically cut head and chest injuries; and zero tolerance of drunk driving reduces night-time crashes. But how serious is Goa’s implementation? Even environmental risks – monsoon slipperiness, poor lighting and confusing signage – can be mitigated through better road design, clearer warnings, reflective markers and tourist education at the point of vehicle rental.
In short, while accidents can never be eliminated entirely, most are not random. They arise from predictable risk factors, and predictable risks can be managed. The issue is less about inevitability and more about compliance, enforcement, infrastructure and awareness. The authorities could argue that many tourist destinations across the world are witnessing high accident rates. That may be true, but we cannot promote tourism in a big way and do little to prevent accidents.
Thanks to viral videos circulating nowadays, we can see such horrendous accidents on our phones. Beyond the shock value, this reminds us of the huge cost individuals and families may have to pay. The latest in a long line is the death of a 65-year-old from Bhopal in Assagao this week after a speeding SUV rammed into his car from behind. Video reports are disturbing. Can Goa go beyond mere words to doing something that makes a difference?
