Most accidents occurred from 6-7pm, Monday deadliest: Traffic cell’s data

Panaji: An analysis of accidents in 2024 by the traffic cell of Goa police has revealed that the maximum number of accidents occurred between 6pm and 7pm. A senior police officer said that a higher number of accidents occur after office hours as everyone is in a hurry to reach home, forgetting that somebody is waiting for them, and they need to reach safely.

The traffic cell said that the maximum number of accidents were reported on Mondays at 16.5%, followed by Sundays at 14.5%. A senior officer said that Monday is the first day of the office work week, and due to the delays at home for some reason, most people speed up their vehicles to reach the office, which could be one of the reasons for the maximum accidents reported on Mondays.

Traffic police said that 1,630 accidents occurred during daytime and 1,052 accidents at night-time.

Traffic cell data revealed that 2,682 accidents were reported in the state in 2024, the same number as in 2023. Similarly, 286 persons died in road accidents in 2024, compared to 290 persons who died in the previous year.

A total of 271 fatal accidents were reported in 2024, compared to 272 in the previous year.

Police said that the maximum accidents were reported at Verna with 222, Panaji with 213, Porvorim with 188, Old Goa with 179, and Maina Curtorim with 169.

The maximum percentage increase in accidents was at Saligao with 46.8%, Sanguem with 46.7%, Valpoi with 33.3%, Mardol with 30%, Colvale with 21.8%, and Margao with 23.4%.

Police said that the maximum fatalities were reported at Bicholim with 22, Ponda with 20, Agasaim with 19, and Old Goa and Verna with 18.

Goa police have set a target to bring down the fatalities by 20% in 2025. They plan to mark a black date on the traffic calendar on the day of a person’s death in a road accident. This is intended to remind the traffic cell to work to avert the next black date on the calendar.

Police urged pillion riders to wear helmets too. Looking at the traffic accident figures, most of the fatalities are due to head injuries. A total of 207 motorcyclists lost their lives in road accidents in 2024.

A senior police officer said that 97.5% of the accidents occurred due to rash and negligent driving, and 34.4% of accidents occurred on National Highways.