Major surge in traffic incidents

By Adel Fruean 20 March 2021, 6:00PM

In the fewer than three months since January 2021, over 600 traffic incidents have been recorded by the Samoa Police and Prisons - a massive spike in the first quarter of the year.

Samoa Police Statistics revealed there were by comparison 604 traffic-related incidents for 2019; in the year 2020 that number grew to 700. 

The Deputy Police and Prisons Commissioner of National Operations, Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti, confirmed the accident statistics.

She said that a total of 631 traffic incidents had occurred in the nation this year.

The latest statistics suggest this number will be easily eclipsed this year. 

“We wish to advise the driving public to be careful when driving,” she said.

The Deputy Police and Prisons Commissioner's comments follow a recent traffic incident last Friday 12 March. 

The incident involved a teenage schoolboy who was waiting to take his younger siblings home from school when he died after being run over by a truck.

Papali'i has appealed to members of the public to follow road rules and speed limits.

“Traffic accidents are avoidable if all drivers take precaution," he said. 

“The lives of the general public especially pedestrians are at risk if drivers are not careful.

“No amount of money can bring a life back.” 

She advised all drivers to ensure they adhere to the laws of Samoa also for their own safety. 

“Please, if you are drinking then don’t drive," she said.

“If you are tired then please ensure to get some rest and recover before getting behind the wheel. 

“Let us all work together for a safe and secure Samoa.”

Furthermore, Police also noted that careless driving was the highest recorded traffic related offence from January to August 2020.

From the 21 March to 3 of August 2019 traffic related incidents recorded 358 however it increased to 525 compared to 21 March to 3 of August 202020.

Efforts by police to target those driving under the influence of alcohol are evident in their weekend road blocks since the re-opening of nightclubs last year.

Previously Papalii highlighted that statistics provide the Samoa Police Service with the opportunity to identify how its resources are to be utilized not only to meet our policing roles and responsibilities but also enforcing State of Emergency orders.

Furthermore, from statistics S.P.S. notes what needs to be done in order to work collaboratively with other government ministries and Non-governmental organiastions to find ways to mitigate the increase in crime rates through radio programmes, community engagement awareness, increase patrols and visibility of police etc.

By Adel Fruean 20 March 2021, 6:00PM

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