In the ever-changing landscape of contemporary Goa, certain trends emerge that not only reflect shifts in lifestyle but also carry profound implications for our collective well-being. One such trend that merits our attention is the emergence of speedways or freeways, high-end vehicles and decline in driving and road culture. Although Goa has migrated from the good old Fiat and Ambassador to premium, opulent SUVs and luxury cars, the road culture in Goa has nose-dived. Driving has gradually transformed from being a symbol of freedom and mobility to a potentially dangerous activity marked by carelessness and a lack of respect for the rules of the road.
There was a time when hitting the open road was seen as an adventure, a chance to explore new places and create lasting memories. Today, one has to pray that one will return home safely. Earlier, people observed traffic rules with a sense of responsibility. Fast forward to the present, and the driving landscape has drastically changed. The decline in road culture is evident not only in the frequency and the ghastliness of the accidents, but also a total disregard for traffic regulations and basic courtesy for other drivers.
One of the common contributing factors for this decline is the rise of distracted driving. The insane use of smartphones and other electronic devices has created an environment where drivers are constantly tempted to engage in activities that divert their attention from the road. Texting, checking social media and even watching videos while driving have become disturbingly common occurrences. This problem has become worse with big screen now available in premium cars and SUVs. This not only endangers the driver, but also imperils pedestrians and fellow motorists.
Another concerning aspect of the decline in road culture is drunken driving, overshooting speed limits and reckless overtaking. These behaviours not only disrupt the flow of traffic but also heighten the risk of accidents. Even the installation of cameras have not deterred those who love overspeeding.
The erosion of road culture is not just a matter of frustration; it’s a matter of public safety. Every time a driver speeds through a red light or swerves through traffic, lives are put in danger. This decline also corrodes the sense of community that should prevail on the roads. Instead of courteous gestures and mutual respect, we witness impatience, road rage and an overall lack of empathy.
Basic courtesies such as ‘right of way’ are not observed. Everyone seems to be in a tearing hurry to speed away. It is a certainty especially among youngsters and new drivers that they would not even know about ‘right of way’. Whether at road junctions or where roads join the highway or main road, right of way is a sine qua non to avoid accidents.
Another major change in the driving culture in Goa is overtaking from any side. Earlier, vehicles used to always overtake from the right side, after honking. This culture has disappeared, especially with the infiltration of tourists vehicles and vehicle culture from other states coming into Goa.
The lane culture is totally absent in Goa. Traffic rules prescribe that especially when there are two or more lanes, the extreme right lane should be left open for fast moving vehicles. Though Goa has seen the emergence of many highways, slow moving vehicles drive leisurely on fast lanes, refusing to vacate the right lane even when other fast moving vehicles honk from behind. This is a sure recipe for road rage and accidents.
Driving at night through one-way roads has become a nightmare especially in Panjim. Tourists driving frequently and rashly through ‘no entry’ roads create a major hazard of accidents. Many of these hazards are caused due to the absence of traffic police and patrolling, both during the day and night.
Finally, it is the responsibility of the traffic police to educate the public on road rules and road culture. One is forced to ask what has happened to the Goa Traffic Police traffic education programme for educational institutions and the public? What happens to the budget which is allocated for traffic education? A pro-active traffic police, strict enforcement, safety sensitive drivers and proper aligned roads can go a long way in reducing road fatalities that Goa is bedeviled at present. There is a critical need for the government to work towards inculcating good road culture and reducing road accidents in Goa on a war footing to avoid more tragedies.