Recently, I was aghast at the sight of two badly crushed cars on the Bambolim slope. I sincerely hoped the occupants survived the crash. This accident did not just happen; it was caused by unsafe driving. Speeding, rash overtaking, crossing the solid barrier line, using a mobile phone, blinding by oncoming headlights or driving under influence of alcohol – anyone of these could have been the cause. I drive 100 kms a day to and fro between Panjim and South Goa every day; a good portion of it on the highway and the remaining through village roads both by day and night, and I am convinced that many of us are destined to die behind the wheel or on the road. So what is really wrong for Goa to have acquired notoriety for unsafe roads and a phenomenally high accident rate? I will not dwell on the broader underlying causes related to basic education, instilling road sense, strict licencing, fitness of vehicles and road infrastructure but restrict myself to driving habits and control of traffic.
Jungle rules prevail on our roads – the tearing hurry to get past everyone ahead of you through whichever gap you find and devouring anything in your path, even if there is a traffic jam ahead. Lane driving and signaling during lane changes is almost an exception. Overtaking from the left is rampant, especially by two-wheelers. Not giving way to traffic on your right at a roundabout and to pedestrians at a zebra crossing are other examples. It is bad enough that we don’t give way to hooting and flashing ambulances, you will even see many charged up drivers trying to overtake them. Most drivers are ignorant of safe driving habits. Do they know the two second rule to maintain safe distance from the vehicle ahead? Speed limits, no overtaking signs and continuous solid line road markings are largely ignored. Hardly anybody cares to switch on lights when visibility is reduced due to rain and especially at dusk. Driving with high beam lights on undivided roads blinding oncoming drivers is a sure recipe for disaster. Speeding vehicles flashing hazard warning lights are a common sight; surely they do not know its use.
It is time to discipline our drivers. I feel ‘Swachh Bharat’ should also include ‘Swachh Traffic’.
