There has been yet another fatal accident along the Panjim-Ribandar causeway wherein a constable of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) lost his life. This was followed by another accident wherein a couple riding a scooter were injured.
The Panjim-Ribandar causeway has probably become one of the most accident-prone roads in the State. In the last eight months, 15 accidents have been reported on this stretch of the road of which three were fatal resulting in the death of six people. Among the fatalities was a police constable who died in an accident in November after his two-wheeler collided with a rickshaw.
The reason for this road being accident prone is the number of vehicles that pass along the road since the Old Goa by-pass is still under construction and all the traffic is diverted along the Panjim-Ribandar causeway. This road happens to be an important link between the capital city and Old Goa and other places.
The second reason could be that the road is narrow which does not allow for over-taking. However, vehicles are seen overtaking along the road with impunity. Another reason could be the fact that many a times all the street lights along the stretch are not functioning.
Several steps need to be taken to make this road safer. Speed-breakers need to be put up at regular intervals to prevent speeding. Proper signages need to be put which prohibit overtaking by vehicles. Street-lights along the road should be functioning after dusk. The road should be allowed for the use of only light vehicles.
