It was a tragic Wednesday as four persons reportedly lost their lives in three separate accidents in the state. A couple came under a tipper truck at Sanquelim while a scooter rider died after hitting an oncoming motorcycle in Mapusa. In yet another fatal accident a labourer lost his life after a container truck crashed into a shop at Kundaim. With 109.4 accidents per lakh population, Goa has the highest accident rate in the country with many highly populated states and union territories behind it. The major reasons behind the increasing number of road accidents are over speeding, not following traffic rules, distractions and drunk driving. Red-light jumping, avoiding safety gears like seat belts and helmets, non-adherence to lane, driving and overtaking in a wrong manner, talking or texting on the mobile are some of the other reasons for road accidents. The potholes on the roads and poor road engineering also contribute to the large number of accidents. The diversion due to the various works in progress along the highway has made it more difficult for drivers. Unless drivers drive defensively and road infrastructure is improved, this trend could continue.
