A tourist allegedly driving a rented Mahindra Thar under the influence of alcohol crashed into a two-wheeler at Fernandes Vaddo in Marna, Siolim, in the early hours of Friday. The accident claimed the life of a 33-year-old local youth on the spot and seriously injured his minor nephew, who was riding pillion. The incident has sparked outrage among locals and reignited the debate over the rent-a-car business in Goa. According to the police, the driver’s blood alcohol level was around 150 mg/100 ml, far above the legal limit. Today, many domestic tourists who are unfamiliar with Goa’s roads and lack confidence behind the wheel are seen misusing the rent-a-car facility. Some hire large vehicles for show, drive around villages after consuming alcohol or drugs, and put the lives of local residents at risk. Such reckless behaviour often leads to serious accidents, with innocent Goans paying the price.
What concerns many people is the perception that accident victims do not always receive timely justice. There are frequent allegations that some offenders are treated leniently, that investigations are not carried out thoroughly, and that weak accident reports allow the guilty to escape serious punishment. Such perceptions damage public trust in law enforcement and the justice system. The government must ensure that all road accident cases are investigated fairly and transparently. Any police officer found engaging in corruption or misconduct should face strict action. Those responsible for causing fatal accidents while driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol should face severe punishment under the law. At the same time, the government must improve Goa’s public transport system, which remains inadequate in many areas. It should also consider stricter controls on the sale of alcohol, especially late at night, and review the functioning of the rent-a-car sector to ensure greater accountability and road safety.To reduce dependence on self-drive rental vehicles, the government should also allow app-based taxi services in Goa. Such services would benefit not only tourists but also local residents, especially senior citizens living in remote villages. Reliable and affordable transport would make it easier for people to visit family members, travel for daily needs, and reach hospitals quickly, even during the night. Better transport options and stricter enforcement of traffic laws can go a long way in preventing such tragedies in the future.
