Road Safety Week must serve as an opportunity for the govt and road users to introspect
The North Goa District Road Safety Committee is observing State Road Safety Week from September 8 to 14, with a focus on spreading awareness and improving road safety in the district.
More than 170 persons have lost their lives in the first eight months of this year. In the first seven months, 97 riders and 17 pillion riders were killed. Others who lost their lives include 34 pedestrians, six drivers, four passengers and three others. Road accidents occur with alarming frequency, and many go unreported due to private ‘settlements’ primarily to avoid police involvement and legal proceedings. However, road accidents have decreased by over 12 per cent this year compared to the first seven months of 2024. Statistical data shows that 1,555 road accidents took place during the same period last year, while this year, there were 1,363 road mishaps.
Authorities attribute rash and negligent driving/riding as one of the main reasons. Poor road infrastructure is another factor. Police have identified 43 ‘accident spots’, including 13 mishap-prone zones and 30 black spots in the state. Details have been forwarded to the Public Works Department (PWD), suggesting rectifications. As part of the preventive measures undertaken for public safety, awareness programmes are conducted.
In the monsoon, potholed roads are a major cause for road accidents, though many go unreported at police stations. Three days ago, in Cunchelim, a person was killed after his scooter went into a pothole. Similarly, accidents have taken place due to bad road conditions. The authorities do not hesitate to blame “heavy rains” for the state of the roads when they actually need to blame the poor quality of roads and poor usage of technology in road construction.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho announced that Goa will get AI cameras at all major junctions across the state to curb traffic violations and improve safety. The authorities must make sure that the experiment at the Merces traffic junction is not repeated. While technology is necessary, authorities must consult experts before determining the specifications of AI cameras and other installations. Motorists will appreciate the move provided the implementation is professional and not one that breaks down often, putting commuters in a spot.
Much has been written about road accidents, with suggestions to reduce the accident rate. It is a pity that 34 pedestrians have died in the first half of this year. The causes need to be analysed. The government has widened the roads but has not made any provision for pedestrians. Zebra crossings are also not effective, as vehicles rarely stop. On the other hand, many zebra crossings are faded. Cyclists are also at great risk. Does the government even take pedestrians and cyclists into consideration while widening roads? Pedestrians have every right as road users. Reckless driving, lack of illumination and poor road conditions are some of the factors that place their lives at risk.
The state needs to make more efforts to drastically reduce the accident rate, which must include putting a stop to reckless driving and riding. Rectification of ‘black spots’ must be taken up as a priority. Goa needs to have AI-infused signals, proper signage, pothole-free roads, a strict licensing system and strict enforcement of traffic rules. Road safety weeks will come and go. Sometimes Road Safety Week is observed thrice a year – international, national and state. Let them be a reminder for the authorities to take appropriate measures rather than just making announcements.
