Road accidents in Goa have decreased in recent years, though the causes remain unclear. In the past, Goa had a high rate of deaths from accidents, with 298 deaths in 2015. Two-wheeler riders, especially those without helmets, are most at risk - in 2017, 70% of deaths involved two-wheelers, and 193 deaths were of helmetless riders. New traffic laws and enforcement schemes like the Traffic Sentinel program, using technologies like speed cameras, have helped increase surveillance and punish violators, leading to the decreasing accident rate. However, some citizens have criticized and protested these schemes. Officials emphasize that the laws are meant to improve safety and public welfare.
2. What all happened in the past ?
•Goa records 14th highest rate of death by
accident(2015) .
•298 deaths, were due to road accidents.
•Goa recorded 4,230 road accidents in the year
2014.
•The highest number of accidents were recorded during
January(433) and December(422).
3. At present is everything the same?
•Road accidents in Goa dipped by nine percent
in 2017.
•About 333 deaths happened in 2018 due to road
accidents.
•71 fewer deaths were recorded in 2018 in
comparison with 2017.
•Even though the number of accidents are
decreasing the cause remains
questionable.
4. Who are the most affected ones?
In 2017, 70% of the deaths were of those
who were on 2-wheelers.
In 2017, 193 deaths were of helmetless
riders and in 2018, 145 helmetless
riders lost their life.
107 of which died after their heads were
smashed.
5. Factors resulting in the decreasing
pattern of accidents-
More awareness among drivers.
Increased surveillance by the traffic department.
New and strict enforcement of laws.
Law enforcement and punishing the violators with
the use of latest technological platforms.
Examples- Laser speed radar guns, Traffic CCTVs
and schemes such as Traffic sentinel scheme.
6. Traffic Sentinel Scheme
Goa Police launched a cash reward scheme to get
citizens involved in filming, clicking and reporting
traffic violations on 10th nov 2017.
Under the scheme any person registered as traffic
sentinel can report traffic violation by capturing the
photo or video of the defaulting vehicle and
send it through Whatsapp.
This had many flaws and thus improvements were
made including the launching of a application for
the same, location permissions etc.
7. Milestones in the success of Traffic
Sentinel scheme.
oTraffic Sentinel scheme faced/is facing
a lot of criticism.
oAll the violators have teamed up
and want to stand united
against this scheme to what
they claim as torture.
oViolent reactions were also seen.
8. Lack of awareness and sense of
responsibility among citizens.
Threatening someone, getting physical and not giving any
respect to the laws is not a sign of an aware
and responsible citizen.
•Laws are made for the betterment of the society.
•These laws can always be improved if any flaws are detected
but violent protest, bad behavior and the act of explaining a
traffic police his/her duty is not acceptable.
9. Don’t like to wear a helmet? Check
the laws associated.
According to Section 129 in The Motor Vehicles Act it
is compulsory to wear a helmet whenever driving a 2-
wheelers.
Section 177 in The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 talks
about the punishment and fines for the offenders.
If a violator fails to pay the challan on time then he
may additionally be punished under section 187.
10. Why do we require such laws and
schemes?
We have the reports, we know the cause, we are
very much aware, we need it!
Improving upon the quality of life.
Making this city as good as the big metro cities of
India.
Everyone wants development and better facilities.
To prevent any damage to any individual.
11. Conclusion-
Don’t waste time protesting and getting violent
over the schemes and laws which are for your
own safety.
Be aware, don’t get convinced to anyone on
these matters. Do a dedicated research yourself.
Follow traffic rules. Always wear a HELMET.
(Youngsters- Your hairstyle could be important, but more than your head? )
