Fiji Police will heighten traffic operations this weekend in a targeted move to curb drunk driving this weekend.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu said they would stop and check vehicles to ensure drivers were not driving under the influence of liquor.
He said arrests were being made and cars seize “because it is our responsibility to keep all road users safe”.
He said with heightened traffic operations, motorists should expect stop-checks at various locations.
He added they would also monitor criminal elements.
“We exist for the safety of the communities and we will continue to do our work for everyone’s safety,” ACPO Driu said.
He said 422 drunk and drive arrests were made from January 1 to date, compared to 355 for the same period last year.
Those figures for drunk and drive arrests, he said was alarming, with four fatalities linked to drunk and drive this year.
“The 422 arrests to us are 422 lives saved, and drivers need to understand that their lives are under threat when they choose to drink and drive.”
Mr Driu said of the 56 fatal accidents recorded this year, it was noted that the days of the accidents were between Friday to Monday.
“42 of the 56 road fatalities were reported between Friday to Monday, signifying a general lack of concern, and relaxed attitude towards road safety going into the weekends.
“When it comes to road safety, you must never shift into relax mode, because the consequences are just too great! Be alert, be vigilant!
“There’s no room for complacency when it comes to road safety!”
