TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Around 60 to 65 percent of road accident deaths involve two-wheeler riders and pillions, the Directorate of Transport stated on Friday and called for more attention to be paid towards their safety. However, in the last three years there is a decrease in number of accident related deaths, according to department statistics.
Addressing a press conference, director transport Arun Desai said that the number of road accidents and deaths are more amongst two-wheeler riders and pillion riders. On an average 60 to 65 percent of total road accident deaths involve two-wheelers, he said.
In the calendar year 2012 a total of 289 accident deaths were registered, which include 165 deaths of person on two-wheelers. In 2010, total 327 deaths were registered while the number came down to 305 in 2011. Desai said that there is a need to put major focus on those using two-wheelers. The Director admitted that department has made no specific analysis to trace the reason behind the deaths related to two-wheelers.
Meanwhile, the department has decided to create awareness about road safety during road safety week, which begins August 1, through Churches. The department has approach the Archbishop seeking his permission to distribute pamphlets on defensive driving during morning mass on August 4 at various churches.
“Church is a best place where we can spread awareness about road safety. We are yet to receive consent from the Archbishop,” Desai said.
The department has planned a series of programmes at various schools and colleges to celebrate the road safety week, which concludes on August 7. A seminar of stakeholders on ‘how to improve public transport in Goa’ has been organized on August 6.
