The Fiji Police Force is sounding alarms after a staggering increase in road fatalities during the first quarter of the year, despite concerted efforts by various road safety advocates. Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu reported a worrisome 73% rise in fatalities, resulting in 26 lives lost on the roads.
In light of these statistics, Commissioner Tudravu expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in reducing fatalities, despite setting an ambitious target of a 30% reduction by August to October. This increase in road deaths underscores what he describes as a concerning trend of poor driving behavior and a blatant disregard for established traffic regulations.
“This is unfortunate, that despite numerous awareness campaigns conducted by road safety stakeholders, we continue to record accidents and fatalities,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a cultural shift in public attitudes toward road safety.
In a decisive stance, Tudravu has directed police officers to enforce strict penalties for speeding, applying the same consequences for police personnel and government officials caught violating these laws. “If it needs to start somewhere, start booking police and government departments because we are the very people that need to lead by example in terms of following road rules,” he urged.
With statistics revealing that many drivers remain indifferent to these warnings, the Commissioner called for all motorists to exercise responsibility and practice road safety consistently, irrespective of police presence. He remarked, “Attitudes and mindsets must change if we are to save lives, and I ask that we change now.”
This surge in fatalities aligns with previous reports indicating troubling trends in road safety across Fiji. For instance, in earlier statistics, a significant jump from 51 to 65 reported deaths during the same timeframe last year highlighted a growing issue of reckless driving, including speeding and impaired driving.
Despite these alarming figures, there remains a sense of hope that with continued advocacy, stricter legislation, and community involvement, Fiji can resolve its road safety crisis. Officials emphasize the importance of shared responsibility among drivers and the general public in fostering a culture of safety that prioritizes human lives over negligence on the roads.
As the festive season approaches, efforts by law enforcement to enhance surveillance and enforce traffic laws are set to intensify, promising a collective movement towards responsible driving and, ultimately, safer roads for everyone in Fiji.
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