22 fatal accidents recorded this year

22 fatal accidents have been recorded by Police this year, with speeding continuing to be the leading cause of these fatal accidents.

Chief Operations Officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Livai Driu says the Southern Division recorded 9, the Western Division recorded 8, the Eastern Division recorded 3, while the Northern Division recorded 2 reports.

He says pedestrian victims accounted for 11 of the fatal accidents this year, while 6 were passengers and 5 victims were drivers.

ACP Driu says 7 of the fatal cases recorded were linked to speeding, 5 were the result of dangerous driving, 3 were pedestrians at fault, 2 drunk and drive, 2 were drunkard pedestrians, 1 case of improper overtaking, 1 case of driver fatigue, and 1 hit and run case.

ACP Driu says it is common practice that once drivers pass a police checkpoint or an officer conducting a radar operation, they resort back to dangerous driving behaviour, which is concerning.

He adds there’s an even more worrying perception that road rules are just for drivers.

ACP Driu reiterates that pedestrians have an equal role to play and is pleading with community members to take road safety seriously, as complacency has unfortunately resulted in the loss of life.

He says they will be out this long weekend and urge drivers and pedestrians to adopt safety measures at all times.

He adds people should be safe and abide by road laws as it will assist in making roads safer and prevent injury and loss of life.