Careless driving causing accidents, deaths in city

By ELIAS LARI
POLICE believe that careless driving on the four-lane highway in Mt Hagen is causing accidents and deaths.
Officer-in-charge of the police road safety unit in Mt Hagen, Snr Sgt Simon Kik, said many drivers ignored speed limits and traffic rules.
He said two months of awareness on safe driving and traffic lights started on Christmas Eve and would end today.
Snr Sgt Kik described the awareness as a success but added that many were still confused, especially at the traffic lights.
He said a number of accidents took place on the highway from Kagamuga to Keltiga.
Snr Sgt Kiki said drivers still did not understand traffic lights; they do not stop when the red light was on.
“They are mixing it up, red means stop and green means go but many do not get the message right,” he said.
“Ignorant drivers will be arrested on the spot to face the court without paying any fines.”
Snr Sgt Kik said tougher penalties would be imposed on drivers who failed to follow traffic rules.
He said since the two-month awareness would end today, it depended on the Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited on whether to extend it (awareness) or not.
“We need to learn, feel responsible and respect simple rules which will help us,” he said.
He reminded drivers and the public to follow instructions and to stay safe.