For crying out loud, do we even need to be cautioned against driving under the influence of alcohol? Come on! Surely we know the impact of driving under the influence of alcohol. Surely, we know what happens when we are too inebriated, and lose our sense of direction because we are too drunk!
Surely we know what happens when we cannot effectively control a vehicle.
It has to be under our control on a public road, to ensure we are driving within the laws of our country. They are there for a reason.
They ensure we all have a safe space to operate a vehicle.
The issue here is driving within the rules. It is about upholding the laws that serve as a guideline for us all.
It is about respecting the rights of others to use the road, the same space as us. That means being aware of the rights of others to share that space, and to feel safe doing that.
It means working together to ensure we are all safe.
So why do we need the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and police to warn us against driving while intoxicated? Surely we know what must be done.
However, the advice comes in the wake of two separate road accidents in the Northern Division, believed to be alcohol-related, claiming two lives within 48 hours.
An LTA statement said driving while intoxicated, improper overtaking, impatience and poor judgement could turn an ordinary journey into a tragedy within seconds.
Both authorities have called for a change in mindset as the festive season approaches, when alcohol consumption often increases.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said the two accidents were believed to be linked to alcohol, highlighting the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
The first accident happened in Labasa shortly after 5am on Saturday when a vehicle veered off Nasekula Rd.
A man in his 30s, a passenger in a vehicle driven by a man also in his 30s, he said, died after their car veered off the Nasekula Rd.
He said the victim was rushed to the Labasa Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver and two other passengers sustained injuries and were admitted at Labasa Hospital.
The second accident happened in Taveuni after 2am yesterday, claiming the life of a woman.
Mr Vusonilawe said the woman was travelling with five others along Barotu when their vehicle veered off the road. One passenger remains admitted in critical condition, while the others are being treated for their injuries. The driver fled.
As investigations into both accidents continue, we are reminded about road safety and to do what we know must be done.
We now know the national road death toll stands at 41, compared with 56 for the same period last year.
Every year we initiate road safety campaigns. Every year we talk about what must be done on our roads to keep everyone safe. Yet, every year, we read about accidents killing people. Road accidents happen because we allow them. The key is with us. It is about accepting the responsibility to do what must be done, every day. We should not be told about this every time there is an accident. We should be working to reduce that anyway. That starts with us as individuals!
