No road ethics
The 15-day drive by the RTO in Goa against traffic violations appear to be more of a fund-raising gimmick rather than a serious attempt to reduce the growing number of road accidents and fatalities. This is borne out by the fact that out of 5906 cases booked on day one, 5197 cases were booked for not wearing helmets. At the end of 15 days we will soon be back to square one as in the past, with no reduction in the accident rate and the number of deaths. The question then is, why only 15 days and not all the year round, when the problem is serious and driving in Goa has become nightmarish and dangerous due to the lackadaisical attitude of the traffic police. This why it is easy for one in Goa to drink and drive, jump traffic signals , overtake recklessly and even hit and run without fear of being apprehended by the law. It is time for the RTO to look into every aspect and cause of these accidents, so that driving in Goa is made safe ----not only chase the helmetless two wheelers.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Protect oneself
The sheer number of violators booked on just one day only goes to show how much of violation of traffic rules is prevalent on our roads, which incidentally is the prime reason for the large number of road accidents in a tiny state like Goa. Many of these accidents end up in fatalities. However the road-safety special drive for traffic violations will last for just a fortnight. After that it will be back to square one. Many of the violators reportedly complained that they were not informed of this special safety drive. There is absolutely no need for the government to inform of such an exercise in advance. These road users should understand that they will also not be informed of an impending road accident in advance. Even if fifty percent of such a drive is carried out throughout the year there will definitely be a tangible decline in the number of road accidents. The two-wheeler riders should get it into their heads that they have to wear a helmet not to avoid paying the penalty but to save their own lives.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Change is due
The blatant corruption, the overall dismantling of the old order, the nerves of steel to ride out this storm and the growing frustration of the youth, make for an increasingly angry Goan. Is there a leader on the political scene who can take the fight for corruption ahead so fearlessly? The chief minister of Delhi is a public firebrand and a thoughtful technician. Kejriwal considered that direct involvement in politics was necessary because attempts to obtain progress regarding the Jan Lokpal Bill through talks with existing political parties had, in his opinion, achieved nothing. Fortune included him as the only Indian in its worlds 50 greatest leaders, for creating an anti-pollution drive in Delhi. A recent poll survey suggests that his AAP would storm in the assembly elections next year. AAP has proven itself in Delhi and presently a similar movement is in line in Goa.
Elliot Menezes, Chinchinim
