20 December, 2025, 7:55 pm Central - 23°C Clouds

Drunk driving accidents on the rise during festive season, authorities step up enforcement

Drunk driving accidents on the rise during festive season, authorities step up enforcement

By Rashika Kumar
16/12/2024

Serious concerns are being raised on the increasing number of accidents happening on our roads, especially due to drunk driving during this festive season.

Over the weekend, drunk driving contributed to the death of a man and a woman while three people were admitted at the hospital due to a road accident in Sigatoka.

In another incident, a 37-year-old drunk man allegedly lost control of his vehicle while driving along Sukanaivalu Road and hit a 40-year-old man and in yet another accident, another 37-year-old drunk driver collided with a concrete retaining wall along Knolly Street.

Police say they along with the Land Transport Authority, will continue to be out on the roads to ensure everyone's safety.

Director of Traffic Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana says the overindulgence of alcohol is a serious threat to all road users whether they be drivers, passengers, riders or pedestrians.

He stresses the need to be responsible, and taking responsibility for your actions.

Meanwhile, the Land Transport Authority has taken decisive action against reckless drivers involved in accidents as they have cancelled 62 driver licences and suspended an additional 21 from January to 9 December this year.

LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa says these measures highlight LTA’s zero-tolerance approach to misconduct within their system and adds they are committed to ensuring that roads are safe for everyone.

He says they have taken firm actions now and will not hesitate to cancel more licences if drivers continue to disobey the law and put lives at risk.

The Authority is currently engaged in joint enforcement operations with the Fiji Police Force and municipal councils throughout the festive season, targeting high-risk accident-prone areas around the country.

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