A State, that has been the recipient of applause for its culture, festivities and overall aesthetic qualities, has now, suddenly, become the epicentre of attraction for the number of accidents and casualties that have been occurring of late.
Whether it is an episode of drunken driving, rash and negligent driving, hurried overtaking leading to crashes or even self-accidents, our State has been witnessing it all.
According to reports, the year 2020 itself witnessed about 2,400 accidents across the State. Some of the major causes of these mishaps have been attributable to the violation of traffic rules, over-speeding, fatigue due to alcohol consumption and general carelessness when it comes to taking the road with one’s vehicles.
Most recently, the State was shaken by a disaster that took place wherein four individuals were sucked into the jaws of death after their Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) plummeted into the Zuari river in South Goa during the wee hours of the day. Upon interrogation and investigation, it was revealed that the said accident occurred as the SUV, in high speed, tried to overtake another vehicle on the Zuari bridge, following which the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed straight into the barricade of the bridge before plunging into the depths of the river Zuari. Unfortunately, no lives could be saved, despite a massive search operation that was undertaken by the authorities.
The Goa Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, when asked to issue a statement in this regard went on to mention that 95 per cent of road accidents on Goan roads, especially during the dark hours, happen due to drunken driving. He further emphasised the need for imposition of stricter road rules by making the requisite amendments to the existing law, thereby implying imposing of heftier penalties to curb drunken driving.
However, a question that comes to mind while analysing the road accident scenario in the State is – What if I am driving safely and someone else uncaringly rams into my vehicle? Or even worse, into my home? This actually happened when a case of a car ramming into a house at Khandepar village was reported by the local media over the preceding weekend.
The problem in reality is much more perilous than it seems. Though, stricter implementation of the law appears to be a primary and critical solution – that is not all.
So, what then can be done to curb such incidents and mitigate the number of accidents? Here are a few suggestions:
1. As difficult as it may be to actually do it, try your best to stick to prescribed speed limits, especially on bridges and highways. Speed may give thrill but it also kills. Hence, remember that the speed limit is there for a reason. Adhere to it.
2. Make it a habit to put on safety gears such as helmets, buckles, seat belts and other safety equipment before you proceed to commute with your bicycle, bike car or any other vehicle.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, take the risk of consuming alcohol while you drive. It is a known fact that alcohol leads to fatigue and lowers bodily reflexes. Thus, driving vehicles while you are not fully in control of your senses, is an open invitation to accidents.
4. Understand traffic signals and ensuing rules. Sometimes, misreading a traffic signal can cause irreversible damage. Thus, better be safe than sorry.
5. Avoid using cellphones or any other source of distraction while you are on the road. Remember, you don’t just owe road safety to yourself but to other commuters around you as well. Keep your eyes on the road only. Drive RESPONSIBLY.
Taking note of these basic and elementary propositions may not eliminate mishaps in totality, but surely, they can considerably help in alleviating the severity of the issue. If, even a single accident can be averted and even a solitary life can be saved by sticking to the mentioned formula of basics, then it is definitely worth going for it!
