TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: In a major move to streamline traffic discipline, across the State, the Traffic Cell introduced 30 patrol bikes fitted with electronic sirens and microphones and inaugurated four new traffic cells – one each at Bicholim, Anjuna, Pernem and Quepem.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar flagged off the fleet of 30 Pulsar motorbikes at Goa Police headquarters on Thursday.
“This will ensure traffic discipline on the roads. Places where four-wheelers cannot enter, the two-wheelers will serve the purpose,” Parsekar told media at a press briefing after the launch.
Goa’s roads are the most treacherous with 12 accidents occurring everyday on an average, while one fatal accident is reported every 30 hours.
The 30 bikes, the chief minister said, are meant for managing traffic in North Goa district and another 30 bikes will be deployed for similar purpose in South, shortly.
In 2014, there was a 1.51 per cent decline in the number of road accidents compared to 2013, however, the fatalities increased by 9.02 per cent. Records show that 290 accidents were reported in 2014, 266 in 2013, whereas there were 4229 accidents in 2014 and 4294 accidents in 2013.
Among those killed in the accidents, 65 per cent (189) were motorcyclists, followed by 23 per cent (68) pedestrians. Further bifurcation reveals that of the 189 motorcyclists killed, 131 died of head injuries since they were not wearing helmets.
A total of approximately 3.15 lakh persons were booked for Motor Vehicle rule violations and fine of more than Rs 3.83 crore has been collected.
