There, one comes across on every electric pole a board displayed conspicuously stating “Fine of Rs 100 for overtaking from left hand side. Rs 100 if more than pillion rider”.
In Goa, both in cities, highways and even on narrow lanes, we come across rampant overtaking from the left hand side both by two-wheelers and four wheelers oblivious of the traffic rules in force and endangering the lives of other law abiding citizens. Similarly, in Goa it is quite common to see scooterists, motor bikers and black and yellow motorcycle pilots carrying two, three and even four pillion riders. Surprisingly, all this happens right under the nose of the traffic police who are posted on duty at certain points, without any action. Indiscipline, over speeding, rash, negligent and reckless driving has become the order of the day in Goa creating a fertile ground for the high incidence of road accidents in this tiny state. The authorities seem to be least bothered about these blatant traffic violations.
As per the Motor Vehicle Rules, overtaking from the left hand side is not permitted in India. In Goa, traffic rules appear to be non-existent, both during day time and at night except the rule of wearing helmets for which the traffic police in groups, each consisting of five to six cops are busy challaning the offenders. The government and the transport department are ostensibly concerned only about the heads of two wheeler riders. They do not seem to be worried about the safety and life of innocent man on the street and of the safety of multiple pillion riders especially school children who are carried precariously on two-wheelers by irresponsible parents with as many school bags dangling on all sides. How the authorities allow this kind of blatant traffic violations and indiscipline on Goa’s roads is really strange.
Speaking on cell phones or with earphones on while driving and riding is a common sight and a common feature in Goa with no deterrent action from the concerned authorities.
Two-wheeler riders and four-wheeler drivers seem to be totally lacking any traffic sense. There are some who stop their vehicles almost in the middle of the road especially in cities and even at busy traffic points to exchange pleasantries, or speak on cell phones or awaiting someone, oblivious of the traffic jam behind, enjoying the sadistic pleasures, quietly watching through the side mirror the lurking danger and inconvenience faced by others. The feeling perhaps among these people is that, more the sophisticated and high end four-wheeler they own, the more they are immune to rules and regulations. The traffic policeman on duty, if there is one at all, in such situations simply pretends that he has not seen or just distances himself away from the scene or changes the direction of his eye contact. He is afraid to question the owner of the vehicle or even to approach him, lest he could be a relative of a high profile politician or MLA or a Minister or even Chief Minister and he could run the risk of losing his job or transfer to a distant place far away from his home town.
