PANJIM: Strict enforcement of traffic rules has shown a declining trend in road accidents while fatal crashes have also shown a drop, albeit marginally, for the last four months.
In the latest figures compiled by the Directorate of Transport for the month of August 248 road accidents were reported of which 14 were fatal (North Goa – 7 and South Goa – 7), 16 grievous accidents (NG-6 and SG-10), 49 minor accidents (NG-17 and SG-32) and 169 were non – injury accidents (NG-100 and SG- 69).
The data, available with Herald also indicates 260 accidents in July whereas June and May months recorded 306 and 320 accidents respectively. For the last month, the Transport department stated that 14 persons lost their lives of whom some were pedestrians and 20 people were grievously injured while 63 persons suffered minor Injuries. A total of 7814 Challans were issued during this month.
In a bid to curb accidents and bring in road discipline among the vehicle users, the Goa Police have launched various schemes including surprise checks on traffic violations with major focus on drunken driving. In its latest drive on drunken driving, the police personnel booked 425 violators within just six hours from 9pm on September 28 to 2am on September 29. Several have been jailed for minimum one day and many penalised for the offense while over 1,000 cases are awaiting verdict from the court. The Transport Department has also temporarily suspended licenses of some violators.
The local police have also started a drive against the red light jumpers. From January this year till date, around 1315 motorists are prosecuted for violating the traffic signal. Director General of Police Muktesh Chander, in a statement on Sunday asked all vehicle users to follow the traffic signal irrespective of the time during the day and night. “Penalty of fine and seizing of license for suspension of at least three months will be imposed,” he warned.
