This has reference to the news item ‘Cops plan special drive’ (Herald, May 1, 2019). This is a great idea and good initiative by Traffic Cells, Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharmesh Angle. Callans and fines will be issued for violations like use of mobile phones, over-speeding, drunken driving and tinted glasses beginning from May 2.
I would like to add more to this. It is surprising and shocking to see so many two wheelers and four wheelers driving on the roads and highways without lights at night. Numerous vehicles have no parking lights and brake lights to indicate the vehicle around or when such vehicles stop/brake. Even new two wheelers and new four wheelers are driven without lights like bats out of hell at night, risking their lives and of others using the roads. Why the Traffic department is not clamping on such violations is a question they have to answer.
At night vehicles should be driven with proper lights, indicator lights, because it is not only those driving without lights, who apply and turn around at their own fancy that are on the roads but there are other drivers and pedestrians using the road also. So many times vehicles are seen crossing red signals by putting off their vehicle lights prior to crossing, so that they are not spotted or caught on CCTV cameras.
One of the reasons for vehicles without proper lights is, nowadays lots of modifications are done on four wheelers and specially all types of scooters and bikes. Extra high decibel noise horns, extra blinking lights, straight projector lights, ring led lights, powerful gadgets are fitted, which are not conforming to the vehicle manufacturers auto electrical specifications. Those modifying electricians do multiple joints to the main vehicle wires which are not meant for heavy current and with the extra load and usage the insulation tapes at the joints snap, wirings open out causing short circuits, screwing the entire electrical system of such vehicles. So the lights malfunction/ do not work and cause hazards .
The traffic department must take into account all this and arrange to check out all such violations. To begin with first time traffic violators, the licence of the driver to be held back , all vehicle documents checked and a suitable receipt with the type of offence, vehicle number and other details to be handed over to the offender and requested to rectify the problem and take back the licence from Margao/Panjim RTO offices whichever is closer.
If the driver of the vehicle is purposefully putting off the lights whilst driving, then he should be fined and licence held back. But no money should be asked to be paid on the spot.
To begin with the Traffic cell/RTO officers should be on the roads and highways from 6pm in the evening till 12 midnight. They should be equipped with filming/recording gadgets for evidence purposes. From day to day traffic increases manifold, specially scooters and bikes.
Time the Traffic department remain more vigilant not only for a short period but throughout the year and make Goa safe for drivers and road users daytime as well as night time.
