Goa records a dozen accidents a day 9 Sep 2008, 0303 hrs IST, Preetu Nair,TNN
PANAJI: Goa's affinity with accidents continues. According to the latest data collected by the state's traffic department, 12 accidents are reported everyday. In the first six months this year, 2,185 accidents have occurred. That's 76 more than in the corresponding period last year. Peruse the detailed document that registers everything-from the age of the vehicles involved to the reasons for the accidents- and the findings get worse. The most productive age group-21 to 34 years-continues to be the chief perpetrators and often the main victims of fatal accidents. Overspeeding and road rage, including refusal to give right of way, are the top causes of accidents, and the guilty are mostly educated, private vehicle owners who possess regular licences. The state's internal roads and residential and open areas record the maximum accidents. Roads around institutions aren't safe either. In the last six months 141 accidents have been reported near schools and colleges, a figure that's in keeping with the 262 and 203 accidents recorded in the same zones in the last two years. Ironically, in areas that have police or traffic lights in control, the number of accidents have upped from 62 in 2006 to 90 last year. The majority of persons killed or grievously injured are motorcycle drivers followed by pedestrians. Alcohol consumption led to 14 accidents in the first six months of 2008, however, no one was killed. There's a catch here, said officials. "When a fatal accident occurs and the driver is drunk, he normally runs away from the spot and surrenders the next day. By the time the police sends the person for a medical examination there is no trace of alcohol," said SP (traffic) Arvind Gawas. Explaining the increase in accidents, he added, "If a fatal accident occurs, nothing deterrent happens to the driver. Neither does the accused go to jail nor does he have to pay compensation to the deceased or injured's family nor does he lose his driving license." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa_records_a_dozen_accidents_ a_day/articleshow/3460509.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino
