Traffic Operations beefed Up

Twenty two fatal accidents have been recorded this year and as we head into the long weekend, the Fiji Police Force together with the Land Transport Authority of Fiji will be beefing up traffic operations.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Livai Driu said joint operations will consist of snap traffic awareness checks and random breathalyzer tests throughout the divisions.

ACP Driu said of particular concern are the Southern and Western Divisions.

The Southern Division recorded 9 of the 22 fatal reports, while the Western Division recorded 8 cases.

The Eastern Division recorded 3 while the Northern Division recorded 2 reports.

ACP Driu said pedestrian victims accounted for 11 of the fatal accidents this year, while 6 were passengers and 5 victims were drivers.

And despite several pleas and warnings, speeding continues to be the leading cause of fatal accidents.

Seven (7) of the fatal cases recorded were linked to speeding.

Five were as a result of dangerous driving, 3 were pedestrians at fault, 2 drunk and drive fatal cases, 2 were drunkard pedestrians, 1 case of improper overtaking, 1 case of driver fatigue and 1 hit and run case.

The Chief Operations Officer said accidents and fatalities can be reduced and avoided if all road users adopt a change of mindset.

ACP Driu said it is common practice that once drivers pass a police checkpoint or an officer conducting radar operation, they resort back to dangerous driving behavior which is concerning.

He said there’s an even more worrying perception that road rules are just for drivers.

ACP Driu reiterates that pedestrians have an equal role to play, and is pleading with members of the community to take road safety seriously, as complacency has unfortunately resulted in the loss of life.

“We’ll be out this long weekend, and we urge drivers and pedestrians to adopt safety measures at all times.

Be safe and abide by road laws as it will assist in making our roads safer and prevent injury and loss of life”.

#saluspopuli #roadsafety #speedingkill