MAPUSA: The number of deaths recorded on roads in North Goa since January 1, 2010, have reached 25. This is quite a frightening figure as it works out to around six road deaths every month.

This data was revealed by the Mapusa traffic police, as they have intensified their drive against drunken driving in their jurisdiction.
The Mapusa traffic police cell has a staff strength of 45 personnel, and has under it the police stations of Mapusa, Porvorim, Calangute, Anjuna, Pernem, Bicholim and Valpoi.
Whenever there is any road accident in the jurisdiction of these police stations, the Mapusa traffic police, have to rush to the site to prepare their report.
In a chilling revelation, the Mapusa traffic police have informed that seventy five per cent of these casualties are those of young boys and girls, in the age group of twenty and thirty five.
As per their records, there have been 25 deaths in the first four months of this year and these mostly include either riders, pillion riders or pedestrians.
The police said that young motorcycle riders, who are referred to by the police as ‘always in a hurry’ have even crashed into old people that were walking on the side of the roads.
The police said that many of these riders do not possess a valid driving license and do not know to read road signs. The police said that lately the trend has been drink and drive, drive with mobiles to the ear, drive without licences or drive at excessive speed.
Mr Uday Parab, police inspector, traffic said, “All these are dangerous trends and there seems to be no willingness on the part of other riders to discourage such trends.”
He also informed that foreigners, who take bikes on rent, often abandon the bikes or vehicles, if it is involved in any accident and flee from the scene. He urged the persons letting out their bikes to be careful in this regard.
Elaborating on drunken driving, Mr Parab said, “Just recently we booked 40 cases in just two days, with regards to drunken driving, and now we are concentrating in the coastal areas.”
He further said that many a times, motorists do not maintain a safe distance from the rear of the vehicle in front, and this also results in crashing into the vehicles in front, which has proved deadly to many two wheeler riders and their pillion riders.
Even though there are heavy fines for drunken driving, speaking on mobiles while riding, riding without license etc, nobody seems to bother about the fines. As per the Motor Vehicle Act, there is a provision even to cancel the licence, however, even harsh fines and even arrest for a day, has not made many motorists take the issue seriously.
Traffic personnel felt that harsh punishment such as non-bailable arrest warrant could help in reducing motor accidents, that were caused due to over speeding, drunken driving, speaking on mobiles while driving etc.
A high ranking police officer said that for many traffic violators the Mapusa traffic police cell was just a ‘cell’ and therefore not taken seriously.
He said it could be better if the traffic police cell could be converted into a traffic police station.
Incidentally, the Mapusa traffic police, last year, issued around 13,000 challans to various traffic offenders, from which 550 have been issued to private passenger buses.
Cautioning the parents about giving bikes to their children, Mr Parab said that for many youth over speeding and drunken driving was a fashion, but ultimately, it was this that claimed their lives and put the family in misery.
He therefore advised all, especially the youth to have some traffic discipline and drive safely in such a way such that “all contribute” to reduce road accidents.