51 Road Deaths in 6 Months

The Fiji Police Force is pleading for caution on motorists and the travelling public after recording 51 deaths on Fiji roads so far this year compared to 20 for the same period last year.

Assistant Commissioner of Po­lice Operations (ACP/0) Livai Driu said speeding and pedes­trians at fault were the leading causes of road fatalities to date.

In a statement yesterday, the Fiji Police Force said 22 cases were linked to speeding, nine due to pedestrians at fault, seven due to dangerous driving, four as a result of drunk and drive, three were pedestrians who were under the influence of alcohol, two cases each of hit and run, improper overtaking and driver fatigue.

The Western Division, to date, records the highest number of fa­talities with 24 reports, followed by the Southern Division with 16, North with six and the Eastern Division with five cases.

"As we head into the last six months of the year, we are pleading with all road users to co-operate with stakeholders in adopting a change of mindset, in that speed limits and road rules should be adhered to at all times, and not only when Police are present," ACP Driu said.

"By continuously disregard­ing road rules in the absence of Police or other law enforcement agencies, you develop a danger­ous habit of being complacent which will result in serious ac­cidents or fatalities."

"We reiter­ate that road rules should be complied with at all times, as they are there for your safety."

He said there was more than one victim when a serious or fa­tal accident occurred.

"Families of the victims and of­fenders are both affected, and we call on drivers and pedestrians to adopt a change of attitude and mindset about their responsibili­ties as a road user."

Story by: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj