PANJIM: A 15 percent rise in monthly road accident deaths in 2016 (until February), as compared to 2015, is turning Goan roads into death-traps. January and February 2016 saw 59 accident deaths, giving an average of 30 deaths a month.
Death due to road accidents is a major concern in Goa and the latest data shows a steep rise in the number of fatal accidents. In 2015, there were 316 accident deaths reported, roughly giving an average of 26 deaths a month. In 2014, the number of people who lost their lives due to accidents was 304, while 279 people died in 2013.
Compared to 2015, the first two months of 2016 have recorded a 15 percent rise and if this continues, Goa could see up to 360 accident deaths this year.
As per data available with the Transport Department, most of the deaths have been reported on national highways. In 2015, of the 316 deaths, 136 people succumbed on NH and 148 on other roads. In 2014, 143 people lost their lives on other roads while 116 fatal accidents reported on NH.
“Rash and negligent driving is a major cause of road accidents and death. A majority of fatal accidents involve youth between 18 and 35 years,” a senior transport department official said.
In 2015, the Traffic Cell had recommended 97 suspensions of driving licenses of drivers involved in serious-cum-fatal accidents to the Transport Department. For the current year so far, four such recommendations have been made.
As per information, there is also a rise in the number of enforcement cases booked under the Motor Vehicles Act, with a 10 percent rise reported in 2015 compared to 2014. A total of 3,19,123 cases were booked last year as against the previous year wherein 2,90,265 cases were challaned.
The State Traffic Cell has identified 55 accident prone zones – 33 in North and 22 in South Goa.
