Goa Sees Most Road Accidents During Evening Rush Hour Between 6-7pm
Goa witnessed a concerning number of road accidents, with the state’s traffic police department identifying a peak in incidents occurring between 6pm and 7pm. This period, falling just after office hours, reflects a dangerous pattern: commuters, eager to get home, often forget the inherent risks of hurrying, neglecting to consider the human cost of speeding and negligent driving. The findings of Goa Police’s traffic cell underscore the urgency of this issue, with the data revealing that more than 2,600 accidents were recorded throughout the year—mirroring figures from 2023.
The most striking aspect of the analysis was the consistent rise in accidents at certain times of the day and on particular days of the week. Mondays emerged as the deadliest, contributing to 16.5% of all road accidents in the state. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the rush to begin the workweek and delays caused at home, compelling many drivers to accelerate their speed in an effort to make up for lost time. Sundays, too, saw a high number of accidents, accounting for 14.5% of the total.
The traffic data, however, highlighted a silver lining. While the number of accidents in 2024 was nearly identical to the previous year, fatalities showed a slight decrease, with 286 deaths recorded compared to 290 in 2023. This marginal reduction in road fatalities reflects the effectiveness of some of the measures being taken by the Goa Traffic Police, though the challenge remains formidable. A total of 271 fatal accidents were reported in 2024, only slightly down from 272 in 2023, indicating that while progress is being made, significant efforts are still required to tackle this ongoing problem.
Accident hotspots in the state were identified as Verna, Panaji, and Porvorim, with these areas seeing the highest concentration of crashes. The most alarming trend, however, is the increase in accidents in areas like Saligao, Sanguem, and Valpoi, which reported staggering percentage increases in incidents—46.8%, 46.7%, and 33.3%, respectively. Such rises suggest that traffic conditions in these regions may require focused interventions, including better road management, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and more public awareness campaigns. Additionally, motorcyclists continued to be the most vulnerable road users, with 207 deaths reported in 2024. The majority of fatalities stemmed from head injuries, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness around helmet use, particularly for pillion riders. In response, police have called on all riders to ensure that helmets are worn, which could significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening injuries.
The Goa Police have outlined a clear target for the upcoming year: a 20% reduction in fatalities by 2025. This ambitious goal is part of a broader road safety initiative that includes a unique, symbolic gesture: marking a “black date” on the traffic calendar each time a fatality occurs. The idea is to serve as a poignant reminder to the traffic cell that more needs to be done to prevent further loss of life. As part of its ongoing efforts, the police have also stressed the importance of addressing rash and negligent driving, which, according to data, is responsible for 97.5% of accidents in Goa.
While road safety continues to be a priority for the Goa Traffic Police, the persistent problem of accidents, particularly among motorcyclists, highlights the urgent need for more systemic changes. Increased investment in infrastructure, improved traffic management, and a cultural shift towards more responsible driving could be key factors in achieving the state’s road safety targets in 2025. With an average of 34.4% of accidents occurring on National Highways, ensuring better safety measures on these crucial routes is equally vital for Goa’s long-term road safety goals.
