TEAM HERALD
PONDA: Admitting his craze for over-speeding on two-wheelers during his younger days, Minister for Cooperation Deepak Dhavlikar has, however, warned young drivers that reckless driving would not be tolerated in the State and that the government would implement stricter norms to curb traffic violations.
“Now-a-days, road users, especially youngsters, misuse vehicles by performing stunts and other dangerous tricks on the road. Such acts are dangerous for riders and other road users,” said Dhavlikar, while addressing the 3rd State Road Safety Week programme organised by the Directorate of Transport at Goa Engineering Collage, Farmagudi-Ponda on Tuesday.
“People need to understand and follow laws or else, the government will be forced to take stricter measures,” he said.
Admitting that he himself had a craze to ride the two-wheeler fast, Dhavlikar said: “When we were young, we also used to over-speed. However, mental stability is of utmost important while riding and people especially the youth should take due care while driving on the road”, said Dhavlikar.
“There are reports that college students are practising bike stunts in this area. Authorities will be monitoring these areas and I would request students to adhere to safe riding habits. Motorists also need to be extra-cautious while riding in the State, due to the presence of stray animals on Goan roads,” the minister said.
Speakers provided various tips on road safety measures and urged students to follow and propagate the importance of road safety.
“Accidents are going to happen, but we must try to look how it can be avoided to limit injuries. Defensive driving is the need of the hour. I urge students to follow traffic rules and even spread the message among friends and family,” said Directorate of Transport Director Arun Dessai.
Ponda MLA Lavoo Mamledar, Ponda Municipal Council Chairperson Dr Radhika Naik, GEC Principal Rajesh Lohani, GOACAN Convenor Roland Martins, Priol-Veling-Cuncolim Sarpanch Damodar Naik, ZP members Poornima Naik, Shivdas Gaude and Bandora Panch Ramchandra Naik were also present on the occasion.
