As the festive season approaches the Fiji Police Force is pleading with all road users to be mindful of their role in keeping our roads safe.
Unfortunately another road fatality was recorded on Thursday when a 22 year old student who was admitted in the Lautoka Hospital following an accident last Thursday passed away.
The victim was involved in an accident at Sabeto Village on 20/11/14 at about 1740hrs where he was bumped by a carrier driven by a 39 year old.
The 39 year old accused has since been charged with one count of Dangerous Driving Occasioning Death and was produced at the Lautoka Magistrates Court. He was bailed for the Nadi Magistrates Court on 5/1/15 with surety and to surrender his Passport and Driving License. He is to report to the Nadi Police station every Wednesday and not to leave his residence from 6pm to 6am.
In another incident reported on Thursday, a man is now admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at the Lautoka Hospital after he was hit by a taxi along Drasa Avenue, Lautoka.
The incident occurred at about 0545hrs where it is alleged the victim suddenly ran across the road when he was hit. The driver has been questioned as investigations continue.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Chief Operations Officer Rusiate Tudravu says the worry for police is the fact that in both cases the victims were alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol.
He is once again pleading with members of the public to be mindful of their safety during this festive season and if they are planning on drinking, then to do so in a responsible manner.
Over the next month the Fiji Police is anticipating more social gatherings where alcohol is expected to be consumed. As such necessary safety measures such as appointing a designated driver or leaving your vehicle at home and taking a taxi should always be considered.
Motorists also need to be vigilant as there is also an increase in the number of reports of people found drunk on our roads. Last year there were several accident cases of this nature and we are pleading with motorists to be alert at all times.
We do hope the festive season will be happy and incident free for all Fijians. However this can only be achieved f we learn and accept the fact that everyone will need to adopt such measures and be mindful that our roads are there for all to use and both drivers and pedestrians have a role to play in as far as safety is concerned.
MEDIA RELEASE