Shyam Zambauliker
MARGAO: Drunk driving is considered one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents, affecting communities across the state. However, Goa's traffic cells, as a preventive measure, have booked 5,008 cases of drunken driving this year, up until December 7, 2024.
Out of these 5,008 cases, 2,585 were booked by traffic cells in South Goa, while 2,423 cases were booked in North Goa.
Sources within the traffic cell stated that 90% of the licences of those booked under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for driving under the influence have been suspended.
This year, up until November 2024, there were 258 fatalities in 2,437 accidents in Goa, with driving under the influence of alcohol being a leading cause of some of these accidents.
From January to December 7, 2024, a total of 5,008 cases of drunk driving were registered by Goa’s traffic cells. Of these, 2,585 were in South Goa, and 2,423 were in North Goa. In comparison, during the same period in 2023, only 1,829 drunk driving cases were registered — 1,106 in South Goa and 723 in North Goa. This shows a noticeable increase in the number of cases booked by the respective traffic cells this year.
According to information available from the traffic police, there are 16 traffic cells across Goa, eight in each of the two districts, which manage traffic and tackle related issues.
In South Goa, there are eight traffic cells: Margao, Vasco, Curchorem, Dabolim, Colva, Quepem, Canacona, and Ponda. In North Goa, there are eight traffic cells: Mopa, Anjuna, Bicholim, Calangute, Panjim, Porvorim, Mapusa, and Pernem.
The Margao traffic cell, up until December 7, 2024, booked 565 cases of drunken driving, while the Vasco traffic cell recorded the highest number with 625 cases. The Curchorem traffic cell booked 165, Dabolim 175, Colva 250, Quepem 166, Canacona 281, and Ponda 358 cases, bringing the total for South Goa to 2,585 cases.
In North Goa, the highest number of drunken driving cases were booked by Calangute Police, with 436 cases. Mopa booked 147 cases, Bicholim recorded 270, Panjim booked 271, Porvorim 235, Mapusa 314, Pernem 367, and Anjuna booked 383 cases, bringing the total for North Goa to 2,423 cases.
In comparison, during the same period in 2023, the South Goa traffic cells booked 1,106 cases, with Margao registering 355, Vasco 130, Curchorem 88, Dabolim 4, Colva 177, Quepem 82, Canacona 88, and Ponda 182. In North Goa, the total was 723 cases: Mopa 14, Anjuna 101, Bicholim 61, Calangute 115, Panjim 90, Porvorim 19, Mapusa 277, and Pernem 46.
“The courts have also ruled that no leniency should be shown towards drunk driving, and the offence should be treated with the utmost seriousness,” he added.
“Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act is a penal provision for drunk driving. The courts have observed that drunk driving puts the lives of others in danger, leading to incidents where many have tragically lost their lives.”
Milind Raiker suggested that raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving could help reduce incidents. “Strict enforcement of drunk driving laws, such as sobriety checkpoints, increased patrols, and harsher penalties, can deter people from driving under the influence.”
Meanwhile, GR Kare College of Law has teamed up with the Sub Divisional Police Office, Margao, to create awareness about the Good Samaritan Scheme, which encourages the public to help road accident victims in emergencies. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued guidelines for police officers handling motor vehicle accidents.
It was clarified that individuals reporting accidents to the police control room or police stations do not need to disclose personal details unless they are eyewitnesses. Police officers are not permitted to force Good Samaritans to become witnesses or to reveal their identities. If they choose to become witnesses, their testimonies will be recorded at a convenient time and place.