While number of accidents drop, fatalities go up (ToI)

TNN | May 15, 2014, 01.14 AM IST
PANAJI: With a 37.80% increase in fatal accidents in Goa in the first quarter of 2014 and the maximum numbers of motorcyclist having been killed, the Goa police have decided to launch an awareness drive through MLAs, government offices, Goa University, private companies, panchayats and the media.

Goa police and the directorate of transport will also hold joint enforcement drives in some critical areas.

In the first quarter, a total of 1,493 accidents were reported in the state as against 1,506 cases reported during the corresponding period of 2013. Deputy inspector general of police (DIG) O P Mishra said that there is a marginal decrease in accidents by 13 (00.86%) cases, however the fatalities have increased from 82 to 113 during the current year, an increase of 31 (37.80%).

He also said that 92.49% of accidents have occurred due to rash and negligent driving and 38.98% accidents have been reported on national highways. Mishra said that two-wheelers account for 46.90% of accidents followed by cars with 32.39%.

"Motorcyclists make up the maximum number of road users killed at 75 (66.37%). The maximum number of accidents has occurred between 11 am to 12 noon," he said, adding that the maximum number of accidents was reported on Sundays followed by Saturdays. A total of 1,033 accidents have occurred during the day time and 460 occurred during the night.

Margao, Verna, Ponda, Porvorim and Vasco police stations have reported the maximum number of two-wheeler accidents and Panaji, Margao, Porvorim, Verna and Agasaim had the most car accidents.

Detailed accident analysis has help traffic cells of the Goa police to identify 30 accident-prone zones in North Goa and 20 in South Goa.

After the successful operation of the electronic traffic signal at Porvorim junction, the traffic cell has proposed to put up 53 electronic signals across the state. The traffic cell has also proposed to install 20 pedestrian signals and 73 warning signals.

The traffic cell has also moved a proposal to the government to create Goa Road Safety Fund so that revenue collected from the enforcement drive can be utilized for road safety.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/While-number-of-accidents-drop-fatalities-go-up/articleshow/35127403.cms