SUVA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Speeding has been responsible for a staggering 46 percent of road fatalities in Fiji this year after 70 people died from serious accidents, according to the Fiji Police Force.
Fiji's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Police Force are collaborating on intensified patrols and enforcement measures across the Pacific island country to curb speeding, a major culprit identified in nearly half of this year's accidents, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation news website on Wednesday.
"Because of the increase in accidents and road fatalities that we currently have on our road and apart from LTA and Police, there will be our ongoing operations, festive period operations as well that will roll into Christmas, New Year and finally back to school," said Fiji's Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew.
According to the police, over 70 people have lost their lives with the majority of fatalities recorded in the Western side of Viti Levu, the main island in Fiji.
Apart from enforcement activities, an emphasis is also placed on educating the public and raising awareness, Chew said, adding that they aim to instill a culture of responsible driving and encourage motorists to prioritize safety on the roads. ■
