Goa sees 15% rise in accidents, 25% rise in fatalities

PANAJI: As compared to last year, Goa has seen a 15% rise in accidents till August 31 this year, a 16% rise in fatal accidents and a 25% rise in fatalities.
“Speeding, adventurism by youth and drunken driving may be some of the causes for increased accidents but reckless issuing of driving licences and irresponsible driving by tourists must also be monitored,” said transport minister Mauvin Godinho.
Statistics shared by the directorate of transport reveals that the total number of accidents till August 2022 are 2,009 as compared to 1,742 in the previous year. The fatal accidents reported are 152 this year as compared to 130 last year, the grievous injuries are 143 as compared to 120 last year and the deaths due to accidents are 100 this year compared to 80 till August, last year.
To make the roads in Goa safer, good samaritans have offered to volunteer as traffic wardens for the traffic cell.
“We will join hands with the department for the rest of the year in their endeavour to make Goa’s roads safe,” said vice-district governor for Lions Club, Erle Brito.
The Lion’s Club Goa has offered to give 15 volunteers as traffic wardens to the directorate of transport for the rest of the year. The Rotary Club also pledged a warden from each of their 26 clubs in Goa. This was declared by representatives of the clubs at the 11th State Road Safety Week, which began on Monday.
“While there is a need to maintain discipline on roads, even the PWD must be roped in for road safety. Engineering at some of the places requires attention so we cannot blame the transport department alone for the accidents,” said Rotary Club district governor Gaurish Dhond.