Four serious road accidents were recorded in the last 24-hour period.
Chief Operations Officer (COO) Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (A/ACP) Livai Driu said despite warnings and advisories issued, drivers continue to be booked for speeding and drunk driving resulting in a number of innocent people having to spend their Christmas in hospital.
Yesterday, seven people including the driver of a vehicle were transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital following a motor vehicle accident in Navua.
The driver was allegedly speeding when he lost control of his vehicle causing it to veer off the road.
In the second accident recorded this morning along the Kings Road, Korovou, Tavua, a vehicle driven by a 47-year-old farmer veered off the road and hit a lamp post.
Due to the impact of the accident, five of the 12 passengers sustained serious injuries and were transferred to the Lautoka Hospital. The remaining seven are admitted at the Tavua Hospital in stable condition.
The third accident was recorded along Grantham Road whereby the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to veer onto the opposite lane and hit a lamp post.
The fourth accident reported this morning occurred along the Lesiaceva Road, Korovesi, Savusavu.
The suspect whilst driving a vehicle conveying his wife and son allegedly lost control resulting in the accident. He was also allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
All are admitted at the Savusavu Hospital.
A/ACP Driu said drivers who continue to speed and drink and drive are selfish as they have little care for their passengers and other road users.
He said numerous reminders and warnings have been issued regarding the two offences as they are the leading causes of accidents.
With two public holidays remaining, the Chief Operations Officer is pleading with drivers to be considerate of other road users and be safe.
