Panaji: Goa has recorded more than 2,700 road accidents over the past five and a half years, with a steady number of incidents involving motorcycles and light motor vehicles, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Responding to a written question during the ongoing monsoon session by Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, the Chief Minister said a total of 2,705 road accidents were reported in the state from 2020 to June 30, 2025, of which 1,256 involved motorcycles and 1,256 involved light motor vehicles.
While 2022 recorded the highest number of accidents (532), this year saw 271 accidents reported in the first six months alone.
The data also revealed a notable rise in accidents involving Rent-a-Car and Rent-a-Bike services, especially since 2023. In 2023, 13 accidents involving rented cars and 6 involving rented bikes were reported. In 2024, 12 Rent-a-Car and 7 Rent-a-Bike crashes were documented.
In total, 43 accidents involving Rent-a-Car and 18 involving Rent-a-Bike vehicles were recorded between 2020 and June 2025.
Asked whether the government acknowledges the growing threat to public safety due to rented vehicles often driven by tourists unfamiliar with local road conditions or possibly under the influence of alcohol, the Chief Minister said it is difficult to conclusively attribute such causes in every case.
He stated that accidents may occur due to rash and negligent driving by either party involved and that the cases are often under investigation or pending trial.
To ensure safer operations, Rent-a-Car and Rent-a-Bike operators are required to obtain an undertaking from hirers, confirming possession of a valid driving licence, he said.
Sawant said that Police also initiate action under the Motor Vehicles Act if any person is found driving a rented vehicle without a valid licence.
The Goa Police regularly conduct traffic awareness campaigns, patrol major roads, and coordinate with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) to inform tourists about local traffic norms, the Chief Minister added.
“Letters are sent to TTAG to communicate Do’s and Don’ts to tourists. We are also booking maximum traffic violation cases and creating awareness to reduce accidents and fatalities,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister added that details of individual accidents involving rented vehicles—such as registration numbers, licensees, and injury/fatality data—have been provided in Annexure-A, but the names of accused persons were withheld as cases are under investigation or trial.
