Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while replying to a starred question jointly tabled in the House on Wednesday by Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira and other opposition leaders, said that the Department of Transport will soon issue a circular making it mandatory for both riders and pillion riders to wear helmets across the State.
While road safety is important, this move is likely to place an additional burden on many people, especially those who regularly use two-wheelers for daily needs. Pillion riders, including those taking short lifts, may now face penalties for not wearing helmets.
If the government’s main aim is to save lives, it should also focus on improving road conditions across Goa. Many areas still lack good-quality roads, proper traffic signals, working cameras, safe speed breakers, clear signboards and adequate street lighting.
Many people, particularly from the middle class, depend on two-wheelers to drop their children at schools and colleges, travel to government or private offices, visit government departments and do weekly shopping. This is largely because the public transport system in Goa has not improved enough to meet daily needs.
Before strictly enforcing helmet rules for both riders and pillion riders, the government should first repair pothole-ridden and unsafe roads, strengthen public transport, and take strong action against drunken driving, over-speeding and dangerous stunts. A balanced approach will help improve road safety without causing unnecessary hardship to the public.
