Soter raises very good points. What I cannot understand is the notion that just because it is a highway that a crossing is not a legitimate right, and that too in a country like India where millions live by the highways -- most of which go through small towns. Earlier on there were no crosing. Seriosly waht are drivers thought, traffic inspectors other to wear tight pants and goggles. Who has helped maintain this juvenile idea of planning, and who came up with it? It is one thing to see a truck driver who cares very little regard for the pedestrian (they forget that they own go through the same were they come from), buts its a whole other thing to see people in their cars largely do the same.
Earlier this year, I was riding pillion with Joel Almeida; I think it was in Merces, when one of those cars with some secretary type kept honking at us to give way. Its not a very busy stretch of road, and the oncoming traffic did clear for this bonehead to get through. But the sheer nonchalance of wanting to get through with complete disregard to what could have happened to us was very real. And now Alemao and quite possibly some variation of eminent domain? venantius From: "soter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] Save yourself first before saving Goa Just a forthnight ago a young pathologist working at JMJ Hospital in Porvorim was crushed under the wheels of a speeding bus as she tried to cross the road on her way to the bus stop after work. The NH17 besides killing innumerable domestic cats, dogs and cows over the years has also taken a huge number of lives of children and adults in road accidents. Churchill Alemao the PWD Minister is now busy propagating the idea of a 6-lane National Highway that is being senselessly pproposed through villages to benefit the builders and real estate developers. If crossing the road in Panjim city is a nightmare then one can imagine the plight of the people living in villages through which the killer Highways pass. Pedestrian crossings have been marked but who cares? The motorists just zoom past. In fact if you are seen waiting to cross the road the motorist further accelerates his vehicle. Who will enforce traffic discipline which is also required along side other development?