The Assistant Commissioner of Police, National Capital District/Central Commander Benjamin Turi has stated road accidents are becoming a major Issue for Police especially in the National Capital District and Central Province.
Commander Turi said this in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG at the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) NCD and Central Command Head Quarter’s in Port Moresby, this week.
According to Commander Turi, Police are overwhelmed with road-accident with frequent reports reaching his desk.
However, police tireless hard work has always managed to respond to all cases.
Commander Turi further emphasized that the city drivers are becoming more reluctant to act accordingly toward traffic laws, including passengers onboard whether private or public vehicles.
This reluctant behaviour on the road has led different forms of road accidents including hit and run, road-rage, On and Off-Road collision, and heated arguments between drivers which sometimes lead to violence.
He stressed that days leading up to weekends tend to stimulate these behaviours, resulting in minor and major vehicle accidents on and off the road.
Such frequent alcohol related incident demonstrates no respect towards traffic rules.
“Every weekend now, road accidents are all alcohol related. When heading out from clubs with a blurry vision, it’s wise to take a cab.” said Commander Turi.
Acknowledging the rise and frequent road incidents including personal experience on city roads, Commander Turi mentioned himself witnessing a fatal road incident at the Waigani traffic lights resulting in a woman’s death.
He emphasized that the lack of awareness in traffic while getting off the PMV onto the road led to this outcome.
Commander Turi urged the pedestrians and drivers to have full awareness of road traffic rules for drivers and passengers, as it serves as guidelines and protection during future encounters on and off the road.
Turi reiterated the importance of road safety and security as it can avoid fatal outcomes.
The frequent road accident locations in the city have been identified as Gordons freeway, Hohola freeway, Waigani freeway, Gerehu freeway, Taurama, 8mile freeway, and Hanuabada, while hotspot locations in central province include Tubusere, Rigo, and seem to depend on road and weather conditions, including condition of drivers.
“Drivers must drive in speed limit during morning, day or Night. People are always moving, and drivers must acknowledge this.”
NCD and Central Police are always on their toes responding swiftly to road accidents. Police will penalize drivers accordingly for the reckless and abuse lack of awareness once committed the any road violation or crime.