Roads offer us endless possibilities, but every turn we take is a decision with potential consequences. Some roads lead us closer to loved ones, while others take us on a path of isolation.
Every life on the road is precious. It's important to remember that behind the wheel, you're not just driving a car, you're carrying the responsibility for your own life and the lives of others.
Goa has been no stranger to road accidents. Over a period of time, the State has lost precious lives, and it's time everyone wakes up to this reality.
But more than that, it is important to stay safe on the road, And how can one do that? Well, just like it happens in football, the best form of offence is a good defence.
Every place comes with its own set of rules that have been tried, tested and drafted for the safety of its people and visitors. Here are five road safety tips to keep in mind while travelling in Goa.
BUCKLE UP AND AVOID SORROW
This one may seem like an obvious universal rule the moment you hop onto a bike or get into your car, but we fail to adhere to it.
Always remember that although your hair may look great today, there is nothing more attractive than being safe and making it to your destination unscathed. But if that still does not motivate you to strap your helmet and seatbelt on, then maybe an unpleasant challan is just what you need!
DON'T BLINDLY TRUST THE MAPS
AI may be preparing to take over us someday, but for now, do not trust everything that the map tells you. While some roads on the map may direct you to a no-entry zone or a wrong lane, always remember to be cautious and ask a local for help to get back on track.
Also, regardless of the map's directions, speeding is never safe. It reduces reaction time and increases the risk of accidents. In situations like these, it is best not to be overspeeding and risking your life and the lives of others.
READ ROAD SIGNBOARDS
A classic example of people ignoring or not reading signboards is seen on Goa’s Atal Setu Bridge. The sight of these two-wheelers, especially ridden by tourists despite the clear no-bike rule, is a common occurrence and goes unchecked if there are no cops around.
Several tourists have made news headlines not only for defying rules and riding their bikes on the bridge, but also for turning around halfway and riding back in the wrong lane to avoid meeting the traffic cops at either end of the bridge. Please refrain from doing so because money will come and go, but lives lost are priceless.
RENT ONLY TOURIST VEHICLES
This particular message is for the tourists: cars with white number plates are for private use, not for renting to tourists.
Renting a white plate car might lead to police scrutiny, fines and other hassles. Getting pulled over even if you've done nothing wrong, can be time-consuming and will unnecessarily spoil your holiday.
DO NOT OVERLOAD VEHICLE
Travelling together is part of the journey, but overloading any vehicle beyond its capacity is a disaster in the making. An alternative to stuffing people beyond capacity is to rent more vehicles or use public transport to commute to and fro.
And while zooming past, always remember that while some lanes may function only one way, respect is a two-way street and there are no days off when you’re sitting behind the wheel – even when you are on vacation.