135 rented vehicles involved in mishaps in 3 yrs
In the last three years, 135 road accidents were reported in the state that involved rent-a-bike/rent-a-car driven by tourists.
2021 saw 45 such accidents, in 2022, 38 cases were registered and in 2023, 52 accident cases were registered that involved a bike/car driven by tourists. The data was provided in a written reply by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the assembly session on Saturday.
Regarding the causes/reasons of such accidents, Sawant said that major causes of the road accidents are rash and negligent driving/riding, drunken driving, overspeeding, inappropriate knowledge of roads and traffic signals.
He said that in 2023, the number of road accidents have reduced as compared to 2022. In 2022, 3,011 road accidents were reported while in 2023, there were 2,846 road accidents.
Referring to the steps taken to reduce the accidents, Sawant said that staff is deployed regularly for checking violations and regulating smooth flow of vehicular traffic at accident-prone zones.
Thirty-three accident-prone zones and 23 black spots have been identified in Goa and the details have been forwarded to the PWD for undertaking required road improvements, said Sawant.
He also said that during road safety week special drives are conducted as well as awareness programs are held to create awareness among road users.
Special drives against drunk driving, riding without helmet, without MDL, dangerous driving, riding/driving by minors etc are organized from time to time.
Reports are also sent to the Road Transport Authority for suspension of licenses of drivers/riders responsible for fatal and serious accidents.
He said that various proposals for road improvements are sent to the civic body concerned from time to time which include widening of roads, creation of slip-ways, construction of speed breakers/rambler strips, painting of road markings/thick thermoplastic strips, erection of traffic signages etc.
The state witnessed 19 motor vehicle accidents due to drunken driving in 2023. During this period, the police have booked 2,049 cases of drunken driving, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in a written reply in the assembly on Saturday.
Referring to the steps taken by the government to prevent drunk driving, Sawant said that strict action is initiated against drunken driving/riding by booking maximum cases.
Also, special drives are conducted late night and awareness programs are regularly conducted by police to sensitize the motorists as well as the general public on drunken driving.
Three persons were killed in an accident involving a high-end car driven by a builder at Banastarim in August last year. The driving license of the accused was suspended by the transport department.
