Need to submit undertaking complying with traffic rules
PANAJI
After the mandatory installation of speed governors in rental vehicles, the authorities are now tightening the noose around its users, majorly comprising tourists, to curb recklessness and accidents.
The Traffic Department has issued distinct guidelines through an undertaking, for users of rent-a-car and rent-a-bike services that outlines 10 road safety directives.
Officials claim these vehicles are more prone to accidents compared to others.
“The data indicates rent-a-cars and rent-a-bikes are twice as likely compared to normal vehicles to meet with accidents. This is a worrisome trend and hence separate undertakings for the rental cars and rental bikes, will act as a deterrent,” Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Rahul Gupta said while addressing a press conference at Traffic Police headquarters in Panaji on Wednesday.
Attributing the surge in accidents to user negligence towards traffic regulations, the SP added that unfamiliarity with Goa's topography, diversions, narrow stretches, and complex roads also lead to accidents. “Unawareness of these conditions significantly increases the likelihood of accidents,” he stated.
The Undertakings, containing 10 road safety regulations, will be distributed to the rental vehicles agencies for their clients. “The vehicle users will have to fill in personal details with their signature on the undertaking. One copy will be retained by the rental operator/agency and its copy will be kept with the user,” he said.
Citing that the initiative will ensure careful use of vehicles and road discipline, Gupta added that violators will be penalised and even jailed depending on the offence registered.
Each of the Traffic Inspectors is assigned the responsibility of circulating the copies to the agencies for compliance. Directives have also been issued to obtain weekly reports from the concerned agencies and hold meetings at the circle level as part of awareness programs.
Undertaking for rent-a-car
1. I will not violate any traffic law and follow traffic signs (Rs 500 fine)
2. I will not allow anyone else to drive the vehicle if they don’t have a driving license (Penalty Rs 5,000)
3. I will not drive the car under the influence of alcohol (Minimum fine of Rs 10,000, which will be decided by the Court or 6 Months imprisonment or both)
4. I will not drive the car without wearing a seat belt (Rs 1,000 fine)
5. I will not use the mobile phone while driving the car (Rs 1,000 for 1st offence and Rs 10,000 for 2nd offence)
6. I will not allow anyone to stand through the SunRoof in my car (Fine of minimum Rs 1,000 which may extend to Rs 5,000 or with imprisonment upto 1 year or both)
7. I will not perform stunts with the car (Rs 1,000 fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment upto 1 year or both)
8. I will not drive the car on beach (police action)
9. I will not drive the car in a rash and negligent manner (Rs 1,000 fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment upto 1 year or both)
10. I will not jump the red-light signal (Rs 1,000 fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or with imprisonment upto 1 year or both)
Undertaking for rental bikes
1. I will not violate any traffic law and follow traffic signs (Rs 500 fine)
2. I will not allow anyone else to drive this vehicle if they don’t have a driving licence (Rs 5,000 fine)
3. I will not ride the said bike under the influence of alcohol (Rs 10,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both)
4. I will not ride the bike without wearing helmet (Rs 1,000 fine and disqualification of DL for 3 months)
5. I will not ride the bike triple seated (Rs 1,000 fine and disqualification of DL for 3 months)
6. I will not use the mobile phone while riding the bike (Rs 1,000 fine for 1st offence and Rs 10,000 for 2nd offence)
7. I will not perform stunts with the bike (Rs 1,000 fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or with imprisonment upto 1 year or both)
8. I will not ride the bike on beach (police action)
9. I will not ride the bike in a rash and negligent manner (Rs 1,000 fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or with imprisonment upto 1 year or both)
10. I will not jump the red-light traffic signal (Rs 1,000 fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or with imprisonment up to 1 year or both)
