MARGAO: The grim reality of road accidents in Goa shows no sign of abating. In the first five months of this year, the State recorded 1,197 accidents, with 148 resulting in fatalities. While there has been a slight reduction in the number of accidents compared to the same period last year, the number of fatalities has seen a marginal increase. In the corresponding period last year, 1,243 accidents were reported, with 146 being fatal.
May 2024 alone saw 216 accidents across both districts, resulting in 35 deaths.
Despite efforts by the Margao and Colva traffic cells to reduce fatal accidents in Salcete, which has five police stations, the statistics remain alarming. In the first five months of 2024, there were 271 accidents, resulting in 33 deaths. The highest number of fatal accidents, eight each, occurred within the jurisdictions of Maina-Curtorim and Cuncolim police stations, followed by seven in Fatorda, six in Colva, and four in Margao town.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, mentioned that measures to reduce traffic accidents, including anti-drunk driving campaigns and the implementation of preventive safety systems such as driver drowsiness detection and alcohol sensors, are being undertaken. The officer emphasised the role of traffic police in educating drivers and the public about safe driving practices, traffic violations, and their consequences through awareness campaigns, outreach programmes, and workshops.
Additionally, traffic police collaborate with local authorities to identify and mitigate accident-prone areas, hazardous intersections, and other dangers.