Panaji: Minister for transport Mauvin Godinho said that earlier, there used to be one road accident death every 24 hours in Goa, but now it is one every 28 hours. He said the four-hour improvement was a positive sign, but questioned whether such a safety record was adequate for a progressive and educated state like Goa.Speaking at road safety week, Godinho urged youngsters to enjoy social gatherings responsibly by ensuring that at least one person in their group remained sober and took responsibility for driving everyone home safely.“I don’t say don’t go for parties or don’t drink. But always include a non-drinker in your group,” Godinho said.He cautioned motorists against speeding on improved roads, bridges and flyovers, saying better road infrastructure should not encourage drivers to overspeed and risk accidents.“Road safety cannot begin and end with a week of awareness. Every day, every journey and every time we step onto the road, our choices can make a difference, whether we are behind the wheel, riding a two-wheeler or simply walking to our destination,” he said.Godinho said technology- and data-led interventions were also becoming increasingly important to the state’s road-safety strategy.“But infrastructure and enforcement alone cannot save lives. The real change must come from within us. I urged our youth to make responsible road behaviour a habit, not because they fear the law, but because they value their own lives and the lives of others,” he said.
