PANAJI
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar admitted that while road accidents have dropped by five per cent compared to last year, fatalities remain nearly unchanged.
He asserted that reducing fatal accidents remains a prime challenge as they are setting some immediate measures for another five per cent reduction in accidents by year-end and a further 10 percent decrease in 2025.
“We have analyzed this year’s accident pattern as well as that of the last many years. Based on this information, we are executing plans for the prosecution of (violating/offending) vehicles, creating widespread awareness among citizens, on road safety and traffic discipline, and sending road engineering proposals to the concerned road-owning agency,” the DGP said, speaking to The Goan.
He further suggested that increased use of public transportation could help curb road accidents.
“The long-term solution lies in greater use of public transport, universal coverage of roads through intelligent CCTV systems, and instilling a sense of responsibility in every road user,” the police chief added.
In the same breath, he further revealed that only through widespread public engagement the road safety would become a movement capable of drastically reducing accidents and fatalities.
The State recorded close to 1,900 mishaps this year so far and 200 persons losing their lives to 188 fatal accidents. The death of seven persons within 72 hours from September 14-16 escalated concerns over road safety.
The DGP revealed that their prosecution drives mainly focus on accident-causing behaviour like over speeding, drunken driving and talking on mobile while driving. “We also focus on behaviour which increases the chances of fatality like not wearing helmets or seat belts,” he added.
The department, he claimed, is also continuously engaging with the community, road safety forums and conducting extensive road safety awareness programs while also recommending suspension of driving licenses to the RTO in befitting cases. As on date, 6496 driving licenses have been suspended for various violations, based on police recommendations.
“We have also recorded 72,960 persons attending road safety programmes this year,” Kumar added.
Road safety panel to
analyze data, causes
As the District Road Safety Committee meeting is scheduled on Friday, the members are likely to analyze the accident data and causes, particularly given seven deaths including that of a minor within three days.
At the previous meeting, GOACAN cited a notification that the accident analysis committee should visit the accident sites, analyze the accident data and identify the causes.
GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins also reminded the committee to complete case studies of five important spots from each of five talukas and pinpoint the causes. He urged that evidence-based recommendations be made. “Taking five cases each year could help bring changes in the riders/drivers behaviour and the general public,” he said. Identification of new black spots and accident zones was also recommended.
