On the Panjim-Margao route, easily the busiest link thoroughfare in Goa, the sound of an
ambulance siren has become a part of our daily commute. Either there is an
empty ambulance on its way to pick up an injured in an accident, or there is
one carrying a critically injured patient to hospital, mainly the Goa Medical
College. As each car or two wheeler gives way to the rushing ambulance, there
is a seldom spoken feeling, among commuters, of being plain lucky, that they
were not in that ambulance.
Thus, a week may be too long in politics
but always short when it comes to road safety.
Nevertheless, DySP traffic, North Goa,
Dharmesh Angle says, “The plan for the week will include enforcement, awareness
and regulation. The awareness program will be carried out by actually stopping
vehicles on the road and visiting to corporate, schools and colleges. During
the week, there are less violations because every man is on the road.”
He further adds about how safe riding or driving is essential
throughout the year and not just for the National Road Safety Week, “Every
year, there is an increase in the number of vehicles on the road and the bikers
and drivers should be informed and we have to create awareness. It is not just
about a week, the message of road safety has to be ingrained in their minds.
They should understand that someone is waiting for them at home. A little
defensive driving goes a long way.”
With the increase in traffic especially on the Goa
Velha-Agassaim- Cortalim stretch, fortunately, there are still no cases of road
rage. However, the traffic cell receives complaints about rash driving and
breaking the line. “When there is traffic on the road, one tends to drive fast
to cover for the time. People get frustrated in traffic and even more agitated
when other vehicles start breaking the line. We receive complaints from drivers
especially regarding taxis breaking the line on that particular stretch. So far
these complaints have come only to the traffic cells,” says Dharmesh.
The young will make the change
The Goa consumer and civic forum, GOACAN will observe the week
with the theme ‘Bringing Change Through Youth Power’ to address increasing case
of deaths of youth in road accidents across Goa. During the week, GOACAN
volunteers will undertake various activities with the support of the village
based consumer forums and campus based Consumer Welfare Clubs. With special
emphasis on the theme, GOACAN will also reach out to NSS co-ordinators and
volunteers in higher secondary school and colleges, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK),
free legal aid cells and other youth associations to participate in the Road
Safety Week keeping in mind that January 12, is National Youth Day.
GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said, “They will also reach
out to the Road Safety and Traffic Management Committees in village panchayats
and municipal councils to undertake activities such as identifying potholes,
accident prone zones as well as training for response during golden hour,
promotion of use of ISI mark helmets, seats belts, checking road signage and
fixing of speed limits.” As a special effort during the week, GOACAN will
highlight the Saksham 2020 focus on fuel conservation by promoting carpooling
to reduce traffic congestion and thereby also reduce road accidents.
“We
have not received a circular about the activities from the headquarters yet but
we do have rallies and enforcement along with the traffic cell of Goa. During
the week, since there is more police presence, there are less violations.
Though the Verna road sees a lot of volume of vehicles, there are less
incidents as everyone slows down in traffic,” says PB Shirvoikar, PI Traffic
Cell Margao.
