Team Herald
PANJIM: Disturbed by the gory fatal accident on Mandovi Bridge in the morning hours on Friday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has advised tourists to adopt all precautions and follow traffic rules while touring the State.
“There’s no doubt that police are doing a commendable job and the manner of traffic and crowd is in Goa, it is pertinent that we are remain alert. The accident that occurred this morning is really sad and should not happen,” he said while addressing a gathering on the launch of the e-challan system.
Sawant, who recently rescued a woman tourist injured in an accident on Zuari Bridge, also slammed those tourists who break rules and asked them to follow all the traffic guidelines. “The tourists coming to Goa should also take all the precautions. I don’t understand why people who do not know to ride/drive, are taking the vehicles out on the roads and usually go on the wrong sides of the roads resulting in fatal accidents,” he said.
In the accident that occurred on Friday morning, the woman rider was on the bike when it banged a bus moving in the same direction. Reportedly, she was wearing a helmet but died on the spot due to severe head injuries. The quality of helmet worn by the victim and if it was strapped are being probed.
Minister Michael Lobo, on the other hand, urged the police not to stop tourists riding rental bikes with helmets. “Please do not stop those tourists who are wearing helmets. Whether or not they have the bike documents is the responsibility of the owner who has rented out his/her bike. Finally, these tourists come to Goa to spend a good memorable holiday,” said Lobo.
Reacting to this appeal, CM said that traffic police stop the traffic offenders for the latter’s safety. “Police stop the tourists for their own safety. They are stopped to be guided on the traffic rules to be followed…” he stated.
