44 deaths on road in 2022 compared to 25 in 2021

Atotal of 44 fatalities were reported by the Fiji Police Force Traffic Division in 2022 compared to 25 in 2021, while bookings for traffic infractions continue to show a troubling increase. In light of this, Chief Operations Officer Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (A/ACP) Livai Driu was concerned about the high number of speeding and drunk drive booking and arrests.

The trend of offenses with high number of speeding and drunk drive bookings and arrests made between 6am on December 1 to on New Year were the basis of his concern.

Fifteen drunk and drive arrests were recorded during the reporting period, with the Western Division recording the highest arrests of six.

The Central Division recorded five, South three, and the Eastern Division recorded one.

Also concerning were the bookings for speeding, which recorded 118.

A/ACP Driu said driver behaviour continues to be a concern and is reflected in the traffic infringement bookings recorded on a daily basis.

“Speeding and drunk driving are two of the leading causes of road fatalities and despite the repeated warnings and advisories being issued, we continue to record a high number of bookings”, he said.

“Driver attitudes need to change. We urge everyone to speak up and report drivers who continue to be reckless to prevent further loss of lives on our roads”.

Traffic police will be present in large numbers due to the anticipated surge in traffic after the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Meanwhile, a 48-year-old man from Navaqiqi, Savusavu, appeared in at the Labasa Magistrates court yesterday charged with one count of dangerous driving occasioning death.

He was charged for allegedly causing the death of a six-year-old student following a motor vehicle accident in Yaroi, Savusavu last month.