PANAJI
Speaking to The Goan, DySP Dharmesh Angle informed that between January 1 and March 31, the total number of cases booked and challans issued stood at 70,134.The fine amount collected was Rs 75,92,200 yielding a rough average of Rs 108 per challan in the first quarter of the year.However, despite the enforcement agencies going into overdrive in the recent weeks, total number of violations recorded per month has failed to show any visible reduction, it was disclosed.This phenomenon could be viewed as owing its existence to the meager penalties levied on violation of traffic rules with bare minimum of Rs 100 fine for not wearing a helmet.Commenting on this state of affairs, DySP Angle admitted, “Fines levied for violations are merely tickles. What is needed is a pinch, which will deter violators.”He observed that the vehicular population of the State is increasing but width of the roads remains stable.“The density of vehicles on the roads has gone up. But along with this, patience of a daily commuter is decreasing leading to traffic violations,” DySP Angle said.It was informed that almost a third of the fatal and major accidents in the State are self-accidents with 75 persons dying this year in 72 fatal mishaps on roads. As against this, 27,500 people have been booked so far for not wearing helmets and more continue to be challaned with every passing day.Speaking about the issue of non-wearing of helmets, DySP Angle said, “Our DGP has made a very sharp observation on the issue of road safety and helmets. He said that the people use protection even for their mobile phones, which are definitely cheaper than their lives, but do not wear helmets themselves.”In a State with almost 11.5 lakh vehicles, number of traffic police does not suffice with the number of habitual violators steadily on the rise. In addition to this, neglect of traffic education and meager penalties in absence of point system and long-term suspension of license for major violations contribute to the mockery of traffic rules in Goa.While the jury is still out on
DRAFT ROAD SAFETY & TRANSPORT BILL-2014
n  Non-wearing of helmets: `500n   Motorcycles without an insurance policy: `10,000n  Violation of traffic signal: `15,000n  Overspeeding: `2,000n  Car or a truck without insurance policy: `75,000n  Using vehicle in unsafe condition: `One lakh or imprisonment for six months
n  First offence for drunk driving: `25,000 fine and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months and six months license suspensionn  Second offence for drunk driving within three years: `50,000 penalty or imprisonment for up to one year or both and a one year license suspension
breaking of this vicious cycle, replacement of the existing Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 with the proposed draft Road Safety and Transport Bill, 2014 could go a long way in ensuring higher standards of road discipline.
