Fatal accidents are, unfortunately, not new to Goa. Car crashes, serious injuries and, more often than not, deaths have become part of a long and troubling list. As reported by The Goan on June 23, 2026, at least 10 to 12 major accidents involving premium or high-value vehicles had been reported in the preceding four months, several resulting in deaths and critical injuries. The number has since increased. The latest, reported on August 16, involved a car carrying Bollywood actor Ashwin Mushran that collided with a two-wheeler in Quepem, leaving a father and son injured.
A disturbing pattern
The year itself has seen a disturbing pattern. In February, a rented Mahindra Thar, allegedly being driven rashly, crashed into a Hyundai i20 in Assagao, killing a 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal. In April, a 23-year-old woman was killed and her colleague seriously injured after their two-wheeler was hit by a Mini Cooper in Dona Paula, allegedly driven by a local businessman’s son. As serious crashes continue to draw public attention, the question is not just about dangerous driving, but about the system itself. Are laws and enforcement doing enough to prevent such tragedies?
Questions over accountability
The response to such accidents is now raising equally troubling questions. The pace of investigations and action by the authorities has led some to wonder whether the system moves differently when those allegedly involved are influential or powerful. The way such high-profile cases unfold has left many locals questioning whether everyone is treated equally. “These people know they have the money. And I feel they look at everyone as below them,” says Eshika Rocha, a resident of Quepem, adding that they are often blinded by their wealth and fame.
Reckless driving a growing threat
But money and influence are only part of the larger concern. With accidents continuing to rise, many residents feel that reckless driving has become an increasing threat on Goa’s roads. Savio Gomes, a driving instructor from Fatorda, points to the behaviour of some tourists who rent vehicles without valid licences or proper documents. “They feel Goa is a place where they can behave as they want and get away with it. They sometimes don’t even have the required documents and are sometimes even minors,” he says. The growing number of accidents has made not only driving, but even walking on the roads, feel unsafe. “They don’t know the roads, but they have too much confidence. Others suffer the consequences of their negligent driving,” he adds.
Are rules being enforced?
The recent rise in accidents has also left Kesia Prabhudesai wondering whether measures such as AI cameras are really making a difference. “The cameras may be doing their job, but what about those who are left free just because they have some kind of backing?” she asks, pointing to what she feels is a misuse of power. “So many tourists also break rules daily, but they know they will get away with it,” she adds. Drawing from what she sees every day, Prabhudesai points out that despite two-wheelers being prohibited on the Atal Setu in Panaji, tourists riding across the bridge remain a common sight. For her, the question is not just whether the measures are working, but whether those breaking the rules are actually being held accountable.
Responsibility beyond the driver
For Simran Monterio from Khorlim, accountability should not end with the driver. She feels high-profile accidents are particularly disturbing because lives can be lost due to negligence and a lack of proper safety measures. “If a person is responsible because of rash driving, carelessness or negligence, proper action should be taken. But authorities should also be questioned if poor roads, inadequate safety arrangements or delayed help played a role,” she says. Immediate help for victims and their families is equally important, she adds. “For me, real justice is not just punishing someone after an accident, but preventing another accident from happening.”
Prevention must come first
Prevention, however, must begin long before a vehicle reaches the road. Rajesh Kamat, a resident of Colva, believes those accused of causing accidents should be treated no differently from anyone else. “In front of the law, there is no money and no power. The accused is the accused and the victim is the victim,” he says. He also suggests greater verification from both sides. “Those who give vehicles on rent could check the background of tourists, while tourists could also check whether the vehicle has all the legal documents in place,” he reckons.
No exceptions
At the end of the day, an accident does not ask who the driver is, how much money they have, or who they know before claiming a life. The consequences are borne by the victims and their families, while public trust in the system depends on whether every accused is treated equally. Preventing the next tragedy will require more than action after an accident. It will require stricter enforcement, greater accountability and a system that makes no exceptions for money, fame or influence.
