The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has reiterated the integrity of the checkpoint located on Naseakula Road, where a tragic incident involving a police officer and a cane truck resulted in the officer’s death. LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has firmly stated that allegations regarding insufficient warning signs or improperly placed cones at the checkpoint are unfounded based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Technical analyses conducted post-incident revealed that the truck did not have any mechanical failures. The investigation identified that the accident largely stemmed from the driver’s alleged disregard for directives given by a law enforcement officer, compounded by inclement weather and the truck’s heavy load of sugarcane.
Rokosawa noted that the findings pointed to driver negligence and a serious lack of regard for road safety protocols. He emphasized the LTA’s ongoing collaboration with the Police to combat various high-risk behaviors on the roads, highlighting that their focus extends beyond merely vehicle inspections.
As road fatalities have troublingly surged to 72 by November 28—up from 56 during the same time frame last year—Rokosawa expressed concern about the tendency to blame law enforcement officials who are committed to ensuring public safety. He encouraged the community to seek verified information as ongoing investigations unfold, acknowledging the rapid dissemination of misinformation in such trying times.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the necessity for all drivers to strictly follow traffic instructions, particularly under challenging weather conditions. Confidence in the investigative process will be crucial as authorities strive for accountability and work to prevent further tragedies on the roads.