245 and counting

Training session by RTO officers in progress in Panjim.

 - Brian Mendonca

With the end of the year in sight it is time to take stock of many things in life. But what happens when life itself ends in death? That too in an instant? Last year the total number of deaths due to road accidents in Goa was 272. This year it has already climbed to around 245 till date. 

The tragic accident on the Mangalore- Bangalore highway in which two brothers from Porvorim lost their lives, is an eye-opener to the perils that abound on the roads - especially at night. A lorry rammed into the SUV leaving it a mangled heap. 

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India (MORTH) '40,000 people are killed on roads in India every year, which is 13% of the total fatalities all over the world.' In Goa a rough estimate is one fatal accident per day. 

In a free and frank session in Konkani yesterday, traffic police officers Mr. Gauns and Mr. Gawas (in pic) explained why it was necessary to exercise caution on the roads. Through a power-point presentation the officers touched upon areas of concern which often included useful tips for life skills and well-being. 'Leave early' was the dictum that was emphasized, so you don't have to speed. 

I liked the video of a biker riding down a lonely road without helmet at night. He stops to take a person who asks for a lift. They get into a conversation and the pillion rider asks why he is not wearing a helmet. The biker brushes off the question. To this the pillion rider says 'I was like you too, but I lost my life in an accident.' The bike screeches to a halt. The pillion-rider then comes in front of the rider and says, 'Wear a helmet. It can save your life.' He then disappears into the night.

85% of the fatalities are of those who are youngsters, Gauns said. It is wrong to buy a bike for a son/daughter who is not yet 18. The parents are at fault. In case of an accident, the fine is Rs.25,000 and the rider and the parents are arrested according to the new traffic rules. 

Visibility is an important factor. Pedestrians must wear bright clothes so that they are seen by the drivers. Morning joggers wear grey track suits which are not seen by drivers.

Vehicle documents must be in order. Driver must have a valid license; vehicle must have a PUC certificate; and vehicle should be insured. Even after having all these things if the time is not right you may be involved in an accident. 

Officer Gawas recalled how a mother of two was riding a scooter. She had a helmet, license and was on the safe side. At Greenpark Hotel junction on the way to Mapusa she was brushed by an AC Mumbai-Goa bus. She lost her balance and got sustained severe head injuries. After being taken to several hospitals like GMC and Manipal she is still and invalid. The expenses came to around 25 lakh. 

Road signs are of three shapes. Signs in a circle mean that the instruction is to be followed compulsorily. These include signs about speed limits. Failure to adhere to the signs makes the driver liable to be issued a challan. Signs in a triangle shape are cautionary signs - like there is a roundabout ahead. Rectangle-shaped signs offer information about what is available near the road, like hospital or bus stand. 

There is a surge of vehicles coming in to Goa on the weekends. While the number of vehicles has increased, the interior roads are still the same. 

Mention was made of the bus accident on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Express last year where 25 people were charred to death because the driver lost control of the vehicle. 

The suspended object which drivers keep in the car under the rear-view mirror can also be a hazard. On a lonely high-speed highway with a sleepy driver, it can have a hypnotic effect on the driver, and can cause the vehicle to go off the road.

Over-speeding can attract a fine of Rs.1000. The logic behind a speed limit is that the driver would be able to control the vehicle in case of an unforeseen circumstance. Driving without helmet; using mobile phones; and drinking while driving can also be fined Rs.1000. 

Officers Gawas and Gauns did a good job at instilling road safety awareness to the gathering of around 50 vehicle owners. Through their personal experience of over 25 years in the field, they took us to ground zero and provided glimpses of what a day in the life of a traffic policeman looks like.

As the numbers tumble in the run-up to the New Year how many more people are waiting to lose their lives?
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Pic taken at ITI complex, Altinho, Goa by Brian Mendonca on 19 November 2024.  Video courtesy Big Banner Entertainment. 'It Begins With You,' 13th Road Safety Week 2024. Written and directed by Jojo D'Souza. Updated 24/11/24.