RSIPF records further increase in traffic incidences in Honiara

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, (RSIPF) National Traffic Department have recorded a total of 49 traffic incidences in the period 1 to 7 May 2020 in Honiara compared to the previous week when only a total of 23 cases were reported, an increase of 26 cases

Two cases were reported by complainants and 47 were reported by officers at the National Traffic Department in Honiara.

The total of 49 incidences included:

23 cases for presence of alcohol in person’s blood;

5 each for using uninsured motor vehicle and using unlicensed motor vehicle;

4 for permitting unlicensed motor vehicle;

3 each of careless driving and driving without a valid driver’s licenses;

2 cases for driving without a driver’s license; and

1 case each for permitting unlicensed driver, display of taxi sign without license prohibited, taking vehicle without lawful authority and for overloading.

“These figures show that vehicle drivers and owners are continuing to ignore the traffic rules. Vehicle users should be very cautious when using the roads during the State of Public Emergency including the Emergency Zone in Honiara from Poha in the West and Alligator Creek in the East,” says Director of the National Traffic Department Superintendent Fred Satu.

“As we can see, there were three drivers arrested for careless driving followed by 23 for presence of alcohol in person’s blood. We recently had a fatal accident in East Honiara where the deceased, who was the driver, was drunk at that time. If drivers continue to think that they can drink and drive then unfortunately we will continue to have such fatalities on our roads. Let us do the right think. DO NOT drink and drive. You are basically putting your life and that of your passengers and other road users including pedestrians in danger. Follow our traffic laws. They are there to safeguard everyone.”

All the accused have been charged for their respective offences and bailed to appear before the Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court on their respective dates.

“I want to commend all the drivers and vehicle owners who follow our traffic laws. I appeal to you to talk with your fellow drivers and vehicle owners to do the right thing. I want to also thank all my officers for their hard work during the past weeks making sure our roads are safe,” says Traffic Director Superintendent Satu.