The traffic police in Goa have identified 55 major accident spots in the state. This was done on the basis of accident data recorded from 2010 to 2014. Out of the 55 spots, 38 are on National Highways and 17 at other places across Goa.
At the Assembly session, the Chief Minister stated that most of these areas, once identified, had remedial measures put in place, like signboards, road markings and speed breakers. He also stated that the roads were widened wherever necessary. But all these measures are, in effect, just a papering over of the cracks. The reality is that, on average, the Goan motorists lacks in proper ethics that stem from systemic failure.
Most accidents in Goa today occur from rash driving by one or all the involved parties. Drunk driving is another cause. The lack of safety gear worn by riders and drivers alike, only compound this issue. There is practically one death per day on Goan roads, all due to negligent driving. None of these deaths can simply be avoided through the use of signboards, road markings or speed breakers. The use of rumblers at different spots, or on turns, doesn’t help either. In Sancoale, the PWD has put rumblers on one side of the road, at the apex of a wide turn. There motorists, in an attempt to avoid going over the rumblers, end up driving or riding on the opposite side of the road, thereby putting themselves and oncoming motorists in danger. This all points to a lack of ethics; a dangerous mindset. It is here that changes need to be made, which includes alterations to the licensing act.
The increase in urbanization, the rise in disposable income and a large youth population means that Goa’s roads are getting congested. With no proper mass transit system to speak of, there is serious danger of rash and negligent driving becoming the single largest cause of deaths in Goa, if it isn’t already. Widening roads and adding more lanes only means that one can go faster and overtake more cars.
Instead, perhaps there is a need to look at the rise in vehicular traffic and work on measures to combat that. In Europe, especially countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France and others, taxes are high on vehicles, prompting citizens to use buses, trains and even bicycles. Of course, the distances here between residences and places of work mean that motorized transport is perhaps the only option. Here, the government needs to spruce up public transport. There is enough land to have bus only lanes, put railway lines in place and implement affordable fares for taxis and autorickshaws.
As of September 2015, there are a total of 22,3965 cars and jeeps on Goan roads; there are also 7,66,285 motorcycles and scooters. This is exclusive of buses, goods vehicles, taxis, autorickshaws, pilot bikes and others. As of August 2015, 6,21,513 residents are licensed to drive and/or ride. This amounts to nearly half the Goan population.
There is a need to identify accident zones and find temporary solutions to combat this menace. But this is a very strong need to step back and look at the larger picture. A complete overhaul of the system is required to tackle road accidents in Goa. The statistics are only getting worse by the year.
