Road fatalities rose by 73 per cent in the first quarter of this year, with police recording 26 deaths between August and October.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the Western Division recorded 12 fatalities, the Eastern Division three, the Southern Division four, the Northern Division five and the Central Division two.
Mr Tudravu said officers were troubled by the nature of the crashes and the behaviour seen on the roads.
“It is unfortunate, that despite numerous awareness conducted by road safety stakeholders, we continue to record accidents and fatalities, a reflection of poor, bad driving behaviour, and the blatant disregard for road rules,” he said.
He said poor, bad driving behaviour and disregard for road rules are concerning.
He said the situation demanded an urgent shift in public attitude.
“Attitude and mindset must change if we are to save lives,” he said.
“And I ask that we change now.”
Police will continue breathalyser operations, checkpoints and patrols on major highways and back roads.
Mr Tudravu said teams had been directed to focus on speeding, dangerous driving and pedestrian safety.
He urged families to intervene early when they notice risky behaviour at home.
The commissioner said the increase in fatalities show that enforcement alone is not enough and that the public must take responsibility for safer roads.
