There is growing concern over rising road accidents and deaths in Goa. The recent death of N Abhyankar, Under Secretary in the Law Department, reminds us that systemic reforms have failed. The casual attitude of traffic police has led to frequent rule violations.
On 18th June Road and People’s High School Road in Panaji, cars are parked haphazardly, leading to double parking and chaos. Many buses and cars stop wherever they like, blocking traffic and putting others at risk. Accidents in Goa happen for many reasons: drunk driving, drug use, poor law enforcement, bad roads, and a general lack of driving sense. The system has collapsed, with no discipline on the roads.
Traffic police are often missing at junctions, allowing motorists to break rules easily. Though violations are common, police often look away, showing weak enforcement. The police must crack down on violations that risk public safety. Some offences need physical checks, as they cannot be detected by cameras. Many drivers are unaware of most road signs even after years of driving. People need to shed the “who cares” attitude and take road safety seriously.
