Goa Reports 30 Accident Deaths Last Month, Surging Since December 2024
In December, Goa recorded a concerning rise in fatal accidents, with 30 deaths occurring within the month. This figure is notably higher than the 23 and 24 deaths reported in December of the previous year. According to local police statistics, a fatal road accident is defined as an incident that results in a death, and the total road deaths reflect the fatalities from these incidents.
Traffic Surge During Peak Tourist Season
This increase in mortality on the roads is attributed to heightened traffic, coinciding with the state’s peak tourist season. Contributory factors include the government’s decision to withdraw police personnel dedicated to enforcing traffic regulations. Reports indicate that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made this decision in response to complaints regarding harassment by traffic management officers.
Trends and Statistics
Earlier in the year, Goa had seen promising signs in traffic safety, with a 23% decrease in fatal road accidents and a 25% decline in road deaths during the first quarter. This marked a significant turnaround after years of consistently high fatalities, averaging one death per day. However, by the end of 2025, the reduction in these incidents had slowed to only 6% for fatal accidents and 7% for road deaths, raising new concerns.
Police Initiatives and Targets
- Goa police aim to reduce fatal accidents by 10% in 2025.
- Over 100,000 traffic violations were recorded by the traffic cell until November, reflecting a 47% reduction.
The traffic cell has also intensified public awareness campaigns, conducting over 700 lectures that reached more than 40,000 individuals. These sessions targeted schools, colleges, and village panchayats to educate the public on traffic regulations.
Accident Timing Analysis
An analysis of accidents in 2024 indicated that the most critical time frame for incidents was between 6 PM and 7 PM. A senior police officer noted, “A higher number of accidents occur after office hours as everyone is in a hurry to get home.”
In summary, while initial improvements in traffic safety were promising, recent statistics from December shed light on escalating concerns surrounding road fatalities in Goa. With ongoing initiatives and a clear reduction target, authorities are working to enhance road safety as the tourist season continues.
