Focus on pedestrians this Road Safety Week

Panaji: Goa will observe Global Road Safety Week from May 12 to 17, with a focus on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Globally, road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability, accounting for nearly 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injuries annually. These incidents are now recognised as the leading killer of young people aged between 5 and 29 years. Particularly concerning is the statistic that more than one in every four fatalities worldwide involves a pedestrian or cyclist.Recent accident data also shows the urgency of the issue. This March, Goa recorded 198 road accidents, of which 20 were fatal. Five victims were pedestrians, reflecting a 25% share of total road deaths.As part of Road Safety Week, all bars and liquor retail outlets will be urged to submit an undertaking with their application stating they shall display a painted ‘don’t drink and drive’ board on the premises. The week-long observance will include awareness drives, school and college engagement programmes, and coordinated enforcement by transport and traffic departments.