GOA’S DEATH TRAPS: 184 fatalities in 1,555 road crashes across the State till July this year

SHYAM ZAMBAULIKER

MARGAO: Road accidents continue to plague Goa’s roads, with areas such as Verna, Maina-Curtorim, Porvorim, Old Goa, and Panjim topping the list of accident-prone zones.

In the first seven months of 2024 alone, a total of 1,555 road accidents were reported, resulting in 184 fatalities. Comparatively, in the same period last year, 1,685 accidents occurred, claiming 189 lives. This year's data indicates that between January and June, the state witnessed 1,387 accidents and 165 fatalities, which increased to 1,555 accidents and 184 fatalities by the end of July.

The month of July alone accounted for 168 accidents and 19 deaths. Out of the 1,555 accidents recorded this year.

The highest numbers were reported in Verna (124), Porvorim (109), Panjim (106), Old Goa (100), and Maina Curtorim (100). Other accident-prone areas include Ponda (86), Bicholim (77), Cuncolim (72), Agacaim (67), Mapusa (65), Fatorda (65), and Anjuna (55). In comparison, during the first seven months of 2023, Verna (149), Porvorim (140), Panjim (141), Old Goa (94), and Maina Curtorim (122) topped the list of accident zones, with 1,685 accidents and 189 fatalities.

A concerning trend emerges looking at the fatalities: 11 deaths were reported in Verna, 10 each in Maina Curtorim and Old Goa, 7 in Porvorim, and 5 in Panjim. Ponda saw the highest number of fatalities with 18 deaths, followed by Bicholim (14), Cuncolim (10), and Agacaim (10). In June 2024 alone, 190 accidents were recorded across both districts, leading to 17 fatalities. Verna, Maina Curtorim, Old Goa, and Panjim remain at the forefront of this ongoing crisis.

For the first seven months of 2023, 189 had persons died of which 16 died in Verna, 5 in Porvorim, 7 in Panjim,11 in Old Goa and 13 in Maina Curtorim police station jurisdiction.

Besides this, Ponda saw 14 deaths, Bicholim 13, Cuncolim 8, Agassaim 6, Mapusa 9, Fatorda 4, Anjuna 6, Margao 10, Colva 3, Valpoi 3, Canacona 9, Colvale 5, Pernem 6 Vasco 12, Mardol nil, Calangute 3, Quepem 5, Curchorem 3, Collem 3, Mopa 4, Mandrem nil, Saligao nil, Sanguem 8 and Mormugao 3.

Authorities have introduced various measures to curb traffic accidents, including anti-drunk driving campaigns, driver safety systems, and awareness programmes. A traffic police officer claimed that initiatives are in place to educate drivers about traffic violations and promote safe driving habits.

Social activist Mahesh Nayak expressed frustration over the lack of control, calling for urgent action from authorities to address the high number of accidents in critical areas like Maina Curtorim, Verna, and Cuncolim.

“Everyday, precious lives are being lost. The government needs to come up with a comprehensive plan to reduce accidents,” he said.

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