Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that close to 80 per cent of the accidents in the state are due to drunken driving and atleast one person dies due to accident while ten are admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) along with serious injuries every per day.
Speaking after inaugurating the 13th State Road Safety Week-2024, organized by Directorate of Transport at Don Bosco High School in the city, he said, “A minimum of one person dies every day while a minimum of 10 persons get admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC). On an average at least 40 to 50 accidents take place in the state daily. During Covid time I used to tell the people there is no need to fear but now I say there is need to fear if we see the number of road accidents occurring in Goa.”
He urged people to refrain from driving when drunk and not to use mobile phones while driving.
“A major reason for road accidents is drunken driving. They kill themselves and others as well. Same is the case with those speaking over phone and driving. Similarly people specially youngsters indulge in over speeding and stunts,” he said.
He pointed out that as on date, the government has provided around Rs seven crore as compensation to family members of accident victims. The government has always responded promptly when giving compensation to families of road accident victims but the endeavour should be to save lives as lives are precious.
He said in order to enhance safety in the public transport system, the Transport authorities should check drivers of interstate public vehicles entering Goa to ensure that they are not driving under the influence of alcohol.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said the government will soon install cameras, including night vision cameras, which will help reduce accidents, and also bring about greater accountability.
“Goa is a small state. We are in the process of getting cameras. It is high time that we have monitoring by night vision cameras. It will reduce crime, road accidents and we will be able to pinpoint who was responsible for speeding up and causing an accident,” he said.
He ruled that in spite of new laws coming into force, people are indulging in drunk driving.
“Even in spite of the new motor vehicles act wherein fines are very high you have another big reason for drunken driving. It is like a bomb on the road. We come with this bomb right in the middle of the road, hurting others. Just because you are rich you do not have the right to kill others,” he said.