This is to bring to the immediate attention of our CM Manohar Parrikar, that drinking and driving on the roads of Goa is a common yet dangerous practice among a segment of people who reside or who visit Goa from other states. The main reason being alcohol being cheaper as compared to other states and its availability. The number indulging in this activity is a sizeable one which will be ascertained and controlled only when the Transport and Police Department keeps a strict check, on least at the main tourist related places and key points like Mandovi and Zuari Bridges where they do “Nakabandi’s” at night time.
The exit points from Goa to neighbouring states also have to be monitored for intoxicated drivers. The reason that such drivers should be severely punished is that they voluntarily endanger others life and property not excluding their own.
This reminds me of an incident which occurred a few months back on the Chorla Ghat.
Along with family and friends, I happened to be returning to Goa from Belgaum and was a witness to an accident which occurred just ahead of me, wherein a Maruti Swift car collided with The driver of one of the car was trying to flee from the spot but couldn’t succeed as his front wheel also gave way.
The occupants of one of the car were 4 males and all were drunk and the driver couldn’t even stand steadily.
Instead of accepting their mistake these drunkards were about to assault the driver of the other car. As a result we had to intervene, When I asked them why they were drinking and driving, their answer was “Hum Goa mein enjoy karne gaye teh aur kaun kehta hai ki daru peeke gaadi chalana mana hai? Agar Mana hai to Hum Calangute se idhar kaise pahunche? Goa mein tho kuch bhi chalta hai”.
Above all one has to know the adverse effects of intoxication of alcohol, the major one related to driving being increasing the reaction time and decision making in an emergency situation. So I feel instead of doing merely “Nakabandi”, harassing drivers for petty issues and collecting fines, does not show the existence of discipline to drivers.
Mere imposing of fines will not also help but in addition if the driver tested positive is detained for 24 hrs along with the vehicle it could go a long way and also change the perception of driving in Goa in the minds of drivers. If death occurs due to intoxicated driving the offending driver should be charged with murder. Accordingly law should be amended.
