The Fiji Police Force is once again emphasizing the serious dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption, a caution highlighted by the tragic deaths of two individuals in a road accident in Waitolu, Naitasiri, on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, the victims, aged 21 and 45, were allegedly intoxicated and engaged in a confrontation that ultimately spilled onto the main road. They were struck by a bus operated by a 30-year-old driver. The 21-year-old was pronounced dead upon arrival at Vunidawa Hospital, while the second victim, who was later transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Divuana remarked that the accident might have been prevented had the two victims’ judgment not been impaired by alcohol. He stressed that excessive alcohol consumption poses a significant risk to everyone on the road—drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
“We cannot emphasize enough the need for responsibility and accountability for one’s actions,” stated Divuana. “Two families are grieving their losses so close to Christmas. We have consistently warned of the dangers posed by alcohol, which can slow reaction times and impair decision-making processes concerning safety.”
He underscored that road safety organizations will persist in promoting this vital message, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the community to heed these warnings.
As a positive note, it is worth mentioning that the national road death toll currently stands at 58, which is a decrease from 74 at the same time last year, indicating that greater awareness and education around road safety may be making a difference.
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