THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
In what may be a first, helmetless riders could face immediate license suspensions. Over 250 two-wheeler riders including college students have been booked for riding without helmets in the ongoing drive against traffic violations.
Officials stated that the Traffic Department is soon to send reports recommending the Transport Department that these offenders, even first-time violators, have their licenses suspended.
Hundreds of other offenders have also been booked for various traffic violations including carrying more than one pillion rider, not wearing seat belts, talking on phones while riding or driving, tinted glasses and driving under the influence.
Several fuel stations in North Goa have put up 'No Helmet, No Fuel' banners following an order from the district collector. This is part of the Road Safety Week, observed from October 14 to October 20 with fuel stations in South Goa the first to adopt this policy.
In a separate development, the Corporation of the City of Panaji's (CCP) Road Safety & Traffic Management Committee met on Friday to discuss raising road safety awareness among students, sharing information on the Good Samaritan Law, the Accident Victim Compensation Scheme and identifying areas for improvement such as signage maintenance, pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance and zebra crossing painting.
The committee also discussed issues like modified vehicles on the road, accident analysis, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Since this was the first joint meeting, the discussion outcomes will be shared with the District Road Safety Committee to develop an action plan for the period from November 2024 to March 2025.
