As a foreigner, I am often asked why I like visiting Goa. One reason I always give is that I enjoy being able to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. More specifically, I enjoy being given the freedom to choose for myself whether I wear a helmet or not, as this really should not be a concern of anyone else.
Admittedly, if I have a bike accident and end up smashing my skull on a lamp-post, tree, cow or other obstacle, then it might cause a bit of a mess for someone else to clear up, for which I will apologize in advance. However, the outcome for everyone else would be much the same whether I was wearing a helmet or not. In other words, my choice affects only myself and, for that reason, regardless of whether that choice is considered foolish by others, I should be allowed the freedom to do as I please.
It would be much more productive for the government to concentrate its efforts on enforcing driving rules where the offenders’ actions are dangerous for others. Driving on the wrong side of the road whilst turning right is just one small example, as is driving at night with no headlights, or driving whilst drunk. All three of these examples regularly kill totally innocent road users who are not even given the opportunity to have any choice in the matter.
Any road safety campaign should first tackle the problem of bad drivers who kill others, rather than trying to deal with those who are merely a risk to themselves.
David N. Cleaver, Siolim
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Why helmets are mandatory
There has been quite an uproar over Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar’s move to make helmets compulsory for pillion riders in the state. People in various parts of the state seem to be against this decision, and are fervently campaigning for the withdrawal of the same. However, why can’t everybody see the advantage if this move is set into motion?
I understand that not all accidents involve two wheelers alone. It is true that our roads are horrible and that there are dangerous junctions and turns. However, we can’t sit back and wait for authorities to fix things for us. We need to take responsibility for our lives.
In an accident involving two-wheeler, it is the pillion rider who suffers the worst damage; and injury to the head is almost always the cause of death. Our higher secondary recently lost a student to a road accident — his two wheeler crashed into a truck. The boy and his friend riding with him were not wearing helmets at the time. The reason one of the boys died was because his head suffered grievous injuries. Wearing a helmet will ensure our safety. We can’t blame cattle or irresponsible pedestrians who don’t use footpaths. Unless we take precaution our self, things won’t change.
God helps those who help themselves. So let’s not make a fuss over something that would benefit us and ensure our safety. There will always be drunk drivers, there will always be youngster driving in a rash manner. You and I cannot stop them. Let’s not wait for the police to take action, because given the lethargy of this system, we can’t expect much for them. The least we can do is protect our skulls before it shatters to pieces.
Marina Martins, Merces
Oppose helmets
I want to congratulate the people in the South Goa for opposing helmet rule for the rider and pillions and on all roads. As always this has been a commercial exercise for the benefit of a few individuals and has not been in the interest of the public.
Past governments and present cannot maintain or build roads of world standards owing to deep rooted system of kick backs. Goa is not safe owing to this and helmets would add to already existing neck injuries owing to bad road conditions. The fatalities quoted are hyped up and are not true. If the quoted fatalities were to exist, Goa must be experiencing war, iIshould think! The main culprits are the tourists drinking and then driving or riding within the state. This must be targeted specifically.
Traffic police have failed completely and are ill equipped to deal with the deluge of tourists riding or driving in Goa. Government has lot of other pressing issues to focus on but it is always keen on pursuing commercial ventures like helmets!
Edward Fonseca, Porvorim
Goa needs good roads
Helmets only keeps the head save, but what about roads in Goa? Our promising government of Goa promise the people of Goa to give good roads in village, city and highway, but when will the time come? The government should first focus on the roads which cause road accident.
The government should take immediate action to repair pot-holed roads. The two wheelers do rock-n-roll in the night on these roads with water logged on some of this roads. I don’t think that helmet can keep the people of Goa 100% save! We Goans need good roads!
Elves M. Fernandes, Navelim
