Goanetters, This topic of deaths and accidents on Goan roads has been discussed a lot on Goanet.
It is really disheartening to read about these accidents and on many occasions the obituaries that say 'died under tragic circumstances'. I was saddened to read last week, about how a couple was mowed down by a truck. Many of these deaths, I am sure, were avoidable. The use of helmets could have saved many. I also read that many of these accidents are due to head-on collisions with oncoming traffic. Of course, I have observed that most people do not follow basic rules of traffic and are in a hurry to overtake the vehicle ahead of them. There are no barriers that separate the traffic plying in opposite directions. Also, Goan drivers never ever drive in the designated lanes! One solution can be road barriers that separate traffic. I did a search on the web and came across this article, about 'Jersey barriers'. These barriers are in use across the world and I am sure have avoided a lot of accidents. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_barrier They might be existing in India, but I have not seen them. These barriers can be of cement or plastic and are easily movable by specially designed trucks. http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Zipper_I95_JRB.html If one wants to be more innovative, take a look at http://www.ecogeek.org/component/content/article/524 Selling this idea of these barriers to the Goan politicians, might be easier if we highlight how much money can be made of each barrier! http://www.trafficsafetyexperts.com/jersey-barrier.html Naguesh Bhatcar [email protected]
