POLICE Commissioner Frank Prendergast says there are continuing traffic incidents that occurred as a result of excessive speed or excessive alcohol.
Speaking at his weekly police conference yesterday, Mr Prendergast said many people are losing their lives in traffic accidents.
“Unfortunately we continue to see people having accidents because of excessive speed or excessive alcohol,” he said.
He reminded people to drive carefully and properly and to be aware of the dangers of using alcohol while driving and the dangers of excessive speed.
Mr Prendergast said a warning from the police will help out with the road policing with the focus on alcohol.
“But we need the cooperation of the community.
“I’d ask all parents to talk to their children about these issues and about anyone who’s driving to think seriously about these issues.
“If they are drinking and driving they are not only putting themselves at risk but are putting everyone else on the road at risk as well.”
Mr Prendergast said this is not something to take light but for people to start paying attention to it.
“As a community, we really need to start thinking about these issues more seriously.
“Same as family violence, traffic incidents require the whole community to stand up and say enough is enough and behave more responsibly.”
He said it is increasing and there is a range of factors that would indicate that the number of accidents is increasing.
However, he said “we are not the only country confronting this issue and it only requires a change of attitude to get improvement and we can all contribute to that”.
This week, a tragic accident claimed the lives of two people including a 15 year-old young student at Doma, west Guadalcanal.
Two others were left in serious conditions.
It was reported that the driver was under the influence of liquor and drove at a high speed when he veered of the road, and landed into a stream.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
