PANAJI
Expressing concern over Goa being tagged as accident-prone State, the State government has decided to install AI-powered night vision cameras at strategic locations to enhance traffic monitoring and accident prevention.
The government is also working on to amend the State Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) in a bid to strengthen traffic protocols among citizens and tourists.
Addressing a State-level function marking Road Safety Week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, pointing to the fact that on an average one road fatality is reported daily in the State, said that considering the alarming situation there is “Bhivpachi Garaz Asa”.
He also said that daily, a minimum ten patients, with serious road accident injuries, get admitted to GMC, alone.
“During Covid times, even one or two deaths in a day were a concern. But today, atleast one death is reported due to accidents daily. I used to say, Bhivpachi Garaz na during Covid time, but seeing accidents and its related fatalities, I feel there is really, Bhivpachi Garaz Asa,” he commented.
The chief minister said he has issued necessary instructions to traffic police to recommend new rules for incorporation in the MV Act to strengthen traffic protocols and also ensure safety.
Underlining the three main reasons for accidents, Sawant said that driving under the influence of alcohol, use of mobile while driving and reckless speeding with stunts has taken toll on the innocent lives.
“80 per cent of accidents are due to drunken driving. I am not saying you don’t drink but drink at your home or if you want go to bar, take a driver who does not drink. Kindly, don’t drink and drive on road,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that it is not just the responsibility of the government but the citizens also need to be responsible and accountable.
Directions have also been issued to RTO to conduct alcohol tests of all public bus drivers throughout, especially at night.
Earlier, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the government is in process of getting AI-powered night vision cameras that would be installed at strategic locations. “This will help in reducing crimes, road accidents and traffic monitoring,” he said.
Godinho revealed that this technology will be operational by early next year. He said that the department has already gathered extensive data on road accidents and plans to collaborate with the police and public works departments to implement these changes.
Godinho emphasized the necessity of digital adaptation, stating that app-based bookings for taxis could boost revenue and lower fares.
“We have to ponder why Goa, a preferred destination for tourism, is also accountable and having the largest number of accidents… so much so that we can be almost classified as accident state…why are we getting this tag… have you ever pondered… there are various reasons," he said.
“Today, we see underage, young people, who are not eligible to have license, are driving and riding…they are backed by their own parents. Secondly, we see tourists opting for rent-a-car or bike and see them doing stunts or learning how to drive… all this needs to be stopped,” he said.
