The recent incidents of an unbridled display of power and arrogance through acts of defiance and contempt for state laws, involving tourists and outsiders driving their vehicles on Goa roads and beaches, have destroyed the earlier image of the state being a safe and ideal tourist destination. How, then, can one justify the gall of a tourist from Delhi driving his SUV on Candolim beach around a fortnight ago to enjoy the thrills of driving? Simply atrocious.
A few days back, the owner of a resort in Vagator was mowed down by a native of Pune who rammed his borrowed SUV into the reception counter of the resort, injuring a few others. In another shocking incident, revelers from outside Goa were tracked on camera bursting crackers and fireworks on the roof of a car on Atul Setu bridge. Not to be outdone, we have bikers who resort to circus stunts on the main roads, whizzing past motorists, cutting lanes, and endangering the lives of pedestrians at crossings.
Enough is enough, as the old adage goes, and it is time now for a revamp of the traffic cell with an increase in the number of beat police. The state laws should also be amended with stringent punishment, hefty fines, cancellation of driving licenses, and imprisonment for those found driving in a reckless manner and under the influence of alcohol. Will our elected members then rise unitedly to enforce these laws in letter and spirit and make our roads safe and accident-free?
