PANAJI
The last week, including the Republic Day weekend rush, proved to be a busy one for the Traffic Police. The Traffic Cells across Goa registered a massive 2,180 violations under the Motor Vehicles Act from January 22–26. North Goa accounted for 1,001 cases, while South Goa topped the chart with 1,179 cases.
From drunken driving to helmet-less riding and overspeeding, the figures released by the Traffic Department indicated disregard for road safety in a state already battling accidents and fatalities, despite awareness programmes.
A total of 103 cases of drunken driving under Section 185 of the MV Act were registered during the period, with North Goa logging 58 violations and South Goa recording 45.
One of the most common violations observed was riding without a helmet. Over the five-day period, 708 two-wheeler riders were fined for not wearing helmets, with North Goa recording 413 cases and South Goa 295.
Overspeeding also emerged as a critical issue, with 264 cases booked. This time, South Goa led with 189 violations compared to 75 in North Goa. Amid a rise in accidents and fatalities over the last two years, CM Pramod Sawant had attributed drunken driving, overspeeding, and helmet-less riding to the high road accident rate.
Another alarming trend was dangerous parking during these five days, with 792 cases registered. Out of these, 450 violators were caught in South Goa and 342 in North Goa.
Among the talukas, Ponda and Margao emerged as hotspots for traffic violations, each recording 277 cases during the period. Panaji followed with 222 cases, while Vasco registered 219 and Anjuna 202.
Canacona reported 152 cases, and Dabolim (airport police) saw the lowest number of violations at 26. Quepem reported 45 cases, Mopa airport police registered 46 cases, Porvorim reported 52 violations, while Colva, Calangute, and Bicholim registered 69, 88, and 90 cases, respectively.
