The Western Division has recorded the highest number of road fatalities to date with 29 of the 52 deaths and traffic operations have been beefed up to avoid further loss of life.

Speeding, drink and drive, driver fatigue, bad driving behavior, driver fatigue, excessive consumption of kava, failing to comply with safety signals, poor planning, using mobile phone whilst driving and driving without a valid license are just some of the causes of road accidents.

Traffic operations have intercepted drivers who were acting in a suspicious manner only to find out they were either trying to hide the fact that they were drunk, or driving illegally and without a license.

A general check along the busy Western Highway has again noted worrying pedestrian behavior despite several pleas to take safety issues seriously.

To date 21 of the 52 victims were pedestrians, 11 of which were as a result of the behavior of pedestrians. Safety precautions such as wearing not wearing bright colored clothing, being drunk and walking on the road, the use of earphones and listening to music and crossing at the front of a bus are habits that can still be seen and is a great concern.

It has also been noted that there are a lot of accidents during the festive season and drunk driving and driving without a license and these are some issues being addressed by traffic officers creating awareness during the operations.

While the checks could be an inconvenience to many who may want to rush home, the Fiji Police Force is asking people to be patient and bear with us, as these measures are being taken for everyone’s safety.

SSP MAHESH MISHRA

DIRECTOR TRAFFIC