Viber Groups Threaten Road Safety: Are Drivers Playing with Fire?

Motorists are being warned against creating Viber groups to communicate the locations of police traffic checkpoints and speed radars. This practice is considered a deliberate attempt to evade safety enforcement measures on the roads. Acting Divisional Police Commander for the Northern Division, Superintendent of Police (SP) Eroni Soqosoqo, stated that these groups not only undermine police operations but also increase the danger for all road users.

SP Soqosoqo noted that drivers who receive alerts about checkpoints tend to slow down in those areas but often accelerate afterward, which can lead to accidents. He stressed that anyone participating in these activities will face consequences. The Superintendent highlighted the need for a collaborative approach between the police and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enhance road safety and eliminate reckless drivers.

As the New Year approaches, police in the Northern Division are intensifying their efforts, conducting foot patrols and road operations to ensure the safety of the public. In a related note, the LTA pointed out that driver fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents in Fiji. Long periods of driving without breaks significantly raise the risk of accidents. The LTA is advising motorists to take regular breaks during lengthy trips and encouraging passengers to report any signs of driver fatigue, such as drowsiness or erratic behavior.

To combat these issues, the LTA has introduced a “Stop, Revive, and Survive” strategy to promote safer driving practices. The authority emphasizes that disrupting police and LTA operations by warning drivers about enforcement locations must be curtailed to protect the collective efforts aimed at improving road safety for everyone.

The ongoing vigilance from both the police and LTA is a commitment to a safer driving environment, especially during the festive season when road traffic often increases. By fostering greater responsibility among drivers and their passengers, a positive change in road safety culture can be achieved over time.