Team Herald
MARGAO: In an effort to curb road accidents through stricter enforcement of traffic rules, South Goa police stations registered 49,386 cases of Motor Vehicle (MV) violations in 2024, surpassing the 47,851 cases booked in 2023.
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The data, released by the South Goa District Police Office, highlights an increase in MV violation bookings but a decline in overall accident cases. In 2022, police had recorded 31,324 cases for violations such as overspeeding, rash driving, driving without a licence, and failure to wear seatbelts and helmets.
According to recent reports, overspeeding, driving without a licence or permit, ignoring no-entry restrictions, drunk driving, distracted driving, failure to wear seatbelts and helmets, and unsafe overtaking remain the most common violations.
Advocate Priyesh Madkaiker stated that while motorists are generally aware of traffic rules, laxity in adherence leads to accidents. “There are even cases of elderly pedestrians being knocked down. When vehicles are sharing the road, motorists need to be careful and alert. Reckless overspeeding remains a major concern,” he said.
He further pointed out that driving under the influence of alcohol is a key factor in fatal accidents, while talking on mobile phones while driving is emerging as a significant distraction.
Retired Sub-Inspector Shyam Naik highlighted that head injuries are common among riders who fail to wear helmets, while non-compliance with seatbelt rules in four-wheelers often leads to severe injuries in major crashes.
“Studies have shown that wearing seatbelts and helmets significantly reduces injuries in accidents,” Naik added.
A police officer from Salcete stated that the traffic cell is actively conducting road safety awareness programs for drivers and riders to promote safer roads.
