SHYAM ZAMBAULIKAR
MARGAO: Goa’s roads continue to witness high numbers of accidents and fatalities, with 2,437 road accidents reported between January and November 2024, resulting in 258 deaths. While the total number of accidents has decreased compared to 2,568 incidents reported during the same period last year, fatalities have increased, raising concerns about road safety measures.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Verna, Porvorim, Panjim, Old Goa, and Maina-Curtorim have emerged as the most accident-prone zones. Verna recorded the highest number of accidents this year with 202 cases, followed by Panjim (200), Porvorim (174), Old Goa (156), and Maina Curtorim (154). Fatalities in 2024 also remain alarming, with 19 deaths each reported in Ponda and Bicholim, and 16 each in Verna, Old Goa, and Agacaim. Maina-Curtorim accounted for 15 fatalities, while Cuncolim, Porvorim, and Panjim recorded 13, 12, and 11 deaths, respectively.
Compared to 2023, when 257 fatalities were recorded, Verna had reported the highest number of deaths at 23, followed by 18 fatalities each in Bicholim and Ponda. Despite fewer accidents reported in many areas this year, the rise in fatal crashes highlights the severity of the issue.
Advocate Prasad Naik, president of the South Goa Advocate Association, attributed the rising fatalities to drunken driving, calling it one of the primary causes of road mishaps. Naik criticised the lack of responsibility displayed by drivers, pointing out that alcohol impairs judgment and reflexes, leading to avoidable tragedies. He emphasised the importance of preventive measures such as public awareness campaigns, education on safe driving, and promoting alternatives like ride-hailing services to curb drunken driving incidents.
PI Margao Traffic Cell, Sanjay Dalvi, outlined steps taken by authorities, including anti-drunk driving campaigns and driver education programmes. However, social activist Laximan Naik expressed dissatisfaction with enforcement efforts, urging authorities to take immediate and comprehensive action to address the high number of accidents, particularly in critical areas like Verna, Cuncolim, and Maina-Curtorim.
