Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 21: Goa recorded a 33% decline in pedestrian deaths on state roads during the first nine months of 2026, even as cyclist fatalities increased, according to data from the Goa Police traffic cell.

The state reported 1,965 road accidents up to September 2026, compared to 1,726 during the corresponding period last year, marking a 13% increase.

Pedestrian deaths fell from 45 in the first nine months of 2025 to 30 during the same period this year. However, two cyclists were killed in road accidents in 2026, compared to none during the corresponding period last year.

Despite the rise in the overall number of accidents, fatal accidents increased by only 1%, while the total number of fatalities rose by 3%.

A total of 201 people lost their lives in road accidents up to September this year, compared to 196 during the same period in 2025. Passenger deaths increased from four to 12, marking a 200% rise, while pillion rider fatalities went up by 9%, from 21 to 23.

A senior police officer said strict enforcement of traffic rules, effective traffic management and a visible police presence on national highways, state highways and other roads could help reduce accidents and fatalities.

The officer stressed that police should take action against traffic offenders in accident-prone areas with the primary objective of preventing road accidents, rather than focusing on increasing the number of challans or the amount collected through fines.

An analysis of road accidents has indicated that the causes of accidents and fatalities vary across locations and circumstances. A senior police officer said all police stations should conduct special enforcement drives in accident-prone zones and take action against violators to improve road safety.