PANAJI
The Goa Road Safety Forum (GRSF) recently called for urgent measures to address the alarming surge in vehicular accidents across the state. Emphasizing the critical need for immediate intervention, GRSF highlighted the efficacy of the globally acclaimed 4Es strategy - Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency response - in significantly reducing accident rates worldwide.
Education
GRSF underscored the importance of enhancing the driver licensing process to include comprehensive knowledge of road signs and practical driving scenarios. Additionally, the forum proposed the activation of Road Safety Patrols in schools, integrating road safety education into the curriculum, and enforcing strict regulations to deter underage driving.
Enforcement
With a focus on stringent enforcement measures, GRSF advocated for active monitoring of roadways to deter traffic violations effectively. The forum stressed the importance of installing CCTV cameras and publishing violation images to raise awareness among motorists. Urgent attention was also drawn to the need for replacing fading High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) to maintain uniformity and enhance security.
Encouraging citizen participation in traffic regulation, GRSF promoted schemes such as Traffic Warden and Road Safety Patrol and advocated for the reintroduction of the Traffic Sentinel scheme. The forum emphasized the significance of empowering law-abiding citizens to detect and report violations to instil a culture of discipline on the roads.
Engineering
Proposing the integration of telematic devices in rented cars to monitor various violations beyond speeding, GRSF highlighted the importance of border security to inspect vehicles for compliance with regulations. The forum also stressed the need for judicious installation of road signages and adherence to infrastructure standards to enhance road safety.
Emergency Response
Advocating for prioritizing public transport infrastructure and establishing clear protocols for emergency response teams, GRSF called for enhanced last-mile connectivity and swift medical assistance for accident victims.
Dilip Naik, President of GRSF, urged stakeholders to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and collaborate towards implementing effective solutions to save lives on roads.
