As the New Year celebrations draw near, law enforcement has reported a significant increase in traffic violations and drunk driving arrests. Over the course of just 48 hours, police documented 256 instances of speeding and arrested 23 individuals for driving under the influence. Most of these arrests, 19 out of 23, took place in Suva, highlighting a concentrated area of concern for traffic safety.
In addition to the arrests, police conducted 171 random breath tests across the nation. Notably, four drivers in Nadi were apprehended for driving while intoxicated. The statistics reveal a total of 14 drunk driving arrests nationwide over this short period,
coinciding with elevated traffic volumes due to families traveling for the holidays and year-end festivities.
Police officials expressed concern over the figures, emphasizing that speeding and drunk driving remain leading contributors to road fatalities in Fiji. To combat these dangers, officers will maintain a heightened presence on roads, particularly in high-traffic and accident-prone zones as the New Year approaches.
Authorities are urging all motorists to adhere to traffic laws by slowing down, avoiding alcohol consumption when driving, and planning their routes ahead of time. They emphasized the importance of responsible behavior on the roads, especially during the festive season, to prevent tragic outcomes that can occur from reckless actions.