The Fiji Police Force is concerned about the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities, especially when they could have been avoided if drivers involved were more responsible.
Yesterday (Monday, 08/11) morning another senseless accident occurred along the Queen’s Highway in Nabou, Nadi when a driver lost control of his vehicle carrying 13 passengers.
The driver, a boxer from Nadroga, is now in hospital with three of his passengers while the other 10 passengers were treated and sent home.
According to witnesses the driver lost control of his vehicle due to fatigue.
The driver started his journey at midnight from Wainibuka through Tavua.
Police is urging all drivers to be responsible and to ensure they get enough rest and are fully alert before embarking on long journeys.
“Please do not drink alcohol and drive and that includes consumption of excessive amounts of kava,” police spokesman Fred Elbourne said.
“We have reason to believe some drivers, who transport passengers to social and cultural events consume lots of kava before they drive.
“That is definitely not responsible behaviour and passengers should ensure that their driver does not do this or ensure he/she has rested well before departure time.
“As passengers, your lives are in the driver’s hands, so ensure that the driver is capable of driving.”
So far this year there has been 39 accidents with 46 fatalities compared to 29 accidents and 38 fatalities over the same period last year.