The rising trend of accidents involving youth in Goa is a cause for concern. Thursday’s road accident at Bethora, where two young lives were lost after scooters collided, highlights the urgent need to deep dive into the factors contributing to these road fatalities involving youngsters. These accidents not only cut short promising lives but also expose systemic gaps in road safety enforcement, infrastructure, and youth behaviour.
The Bethora accident, where 22-year-old Isha Gawas and 20-year-old Aditya Dessai lost their lives, is yet another example of reckless driving among young riders. Reports indicate that Aditya was allegedly riding in the wrong lane, a ‘habit’ that is so common on Goa’s roads. The fact that victims were students who had just completed their exams adds a poignant dimension, revealing how moments of transition and celebration can turn into moments of tragedy when safety is compromised.
Generally speaking, there are several intertwined factors fuelling accidents such as the one at Bethora. Inexperience and the hurried nature of youth play a significant role. Young drivers often appear to be in a rush, accelerating carelessly and taking shorter routes by overlooking rules. Add to the recklessness the lack of judgment and skills necessary to navigate complex traffic situations, especially when faced with high-speed driving or unfamiliar roads. This is compounded by risk-taking behaviours or distracted driving using mobile phones that have become so common among youth lately. Lastly, social influences, peer pressure, and the desire to impress others frequently push young riders towards unsafe practices on the roads.
Data shows a persistent problem in Goa, a state which has been clocking almost one fatality a day on average last year. The Goa Police’s annual accident report indicates that nearly 46% of road fatalities in 2024 involved youths under 35. While there has been a slight decline compared to previous years, the numbers remain distressingly high. Traffic officials acknowledge that reckless driving, especially at high speeds and on the wrong lanes, remains a key factor, often compounded by lax enforcement or inadequate infrastructure.
Road infrastructure has been a key component. The problem here is that authorities continue to be reactive rather than proactive. For example, it was the recent tragic death of Narayan Abhyankar, Under Secretary in the Law Department, that forced the district administration into action with a series of road safety and improvement measures at the accident site along NH-66 in Guirim.
Traffic enforcement is another crucial element. Stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including penalties for speeding, drunk driving, and mobile phone use, is essential. There has to be no tolerance for such violations that endanger lives. Education and awareness campaigns targeted at youth, emphasising responsible driving and the dangers of reckless behaviour, are equally vital. We need to introduce tighter licensing norms with programmes like Graduated Driver Licensing where young drivers are exposed to complex driving environments before they are allowed to hit the road.
Safeguarding young lives on Goa’s roads has to be a collective responsibility of policymakers, law enforcement, parents and the youth themselves. Raising awareness about the deadly consequences of reckless riding, coupled with systemic reforms, could help stem the tide of accidents. The tragedy at Bethora serves as a stark reminder that there is a failure each one has to introspect upon, including parents.
