A series of recent road accidents in Mormugao taluka has raised concerns among commuters and traffic officials alike, but there has been little unanimity over the factors leading to road mishaps and more importantly, initiating steps to remedy this problem and reducing road accidents.
The concerns were triggered after a youth from Pixem Dongri in Vasco died in an accident on March 3, while another youth from Zuarinagar met with similar fate on March 6.
Motorists and commuters have largely pointed fingers at authorities for the poor design and maintenance of roads, the indifferent attitude to penalise traffic violators and inadequate road safety awareness.
On the other hand, traffic officials have accused motorists of having scant respect for traffic rules, claiming that rash and negligent driving is the sole responsibility of reckless motorists.
Road mishaps: Causes and Remedies
A senior Traffic Cell official has identified three main factors for the recurrent road mishaps in Mormugao taluka: bad roads, rash driving by youth and poor knowledge and adherence to traffic signs and rules.
“Roads haven’t developed much, but traffic has risen sharply and this has caused an imbalance between these two factors. As a result, it is also difficult for pedestrians to walk or cross the road, given the high traffic flow,” said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“After each accident, we study the factors leading to it. Based on the conclusions drawn, we inform authorities concerned if any remedial action is necessary, such as installation of signboards or road repairs.”
“But rash driving, mostly by youth, is the cause of most accidents and many of these youth on two-wheelers don’t even wear helmets. Wearing of helmets and adhering to road traffic signs will surely help reduce accidents,” explained the official.
The traffic cell official was quick to acknowledge court interventions and introduction of emergency services in the assistance of accident victims.
“With the initiative of the apex court, it has become easy for accident victims to be shifted directly to the hospital, as first aid has been given more priority. Besides, 108 ambulance services have been of great help in shifting victims quickly to medical treatment centres.”
The official however, nsisted that authorities should act strictly with offenders. “If this is done, youth and other violators will be forced to adhere to traffic rules. They will also be forced to respect others lives, thereby reducing road accidents.”
When asked about recommendations to curb road accidents, the traffic cell official said, “Proper road safety education should be given to motorists, while issuing driving licences. Moreover, those guilty in road mishaps should have their licences suspended and cases should be registered. This will then affect them when they seek police clearance certificates for various purposes. Once this is done, motorists would be petrified of violating traffic laws, like in many advanced countries, and better traffic discipline would be guaranteed.”
