Pernem
The gruesome incident at Vagator in which the owner of a resort was killed after a tourist rammed his SUV into the hotel's reception area on Sunday has brought to the fore the rising cases of tourists violating traffic laws mainly in the coastal talukas of the state.
Reckless driving, sometimes under the influence of liquor for enjoyment in the 'tourist paradise', and lately driving stunts, all result in endangering the lives of other tourists and pedestrians. Tourists driving on beaches has also been reported over the last one year. The incidents have been witnessed in coastal areas of North Goa as also South Goa, with residents and even civic body members questioning the government over the developments.
Calangute village panchayat sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said, "I have only one question to ask: where are the regional transport officials? And if it (the office) exists then what are they doing? Recently I wrote to the RTO asking them to act against rent-a-car and rent-a-bike over a parking issue. But instead of acting, the letter was forwarded to the traffic police to act."
Criticising the authorities for the emerging situation, the veteran panchayat leader said, "They are only playing blame games as nobody wants to act. When the authorities don't act, it's the people who have to be cautious while moving on the road because tourists don't respect the law of land and care nothing about human life."
Sarpanch of Arambol panchayat Bernard Fernandes said the authorities concerned have no control over tourists moving on the road especially at night.
"These incidents occur because there is no control of the authorities concerned. First of all, late night disco and parties should be stopped because tourists attend these parties, get drunk and drive negligently with no control."
The rise in incidents of tourists violating traffic laws is being largely attributed to social media users or some social media influencers, who in a way projects Goa as a place for fun and enjoyment, with least regard for the basic safety rules.