WNB police: Alcohol cause of most accidents

 DRINKING and driving contribute to many accidents in West New Britain, provincial police say.

Traffic officer Snr Const Hubert Sakias said most road accidents resulted from excessive drinking and speeding. Other contributing factors were brake failure, careless driving and negligence by drivers.

Sakias said drivers must change their attitude and proritise road safety when using the road.

He said reported road accidents in Kimbe and Bialla in 2011 totalled 97 – 53 minor, 23 serious and 21 fatal accidents, with 23 deaths.

In 2012, there were 99 accidents – 61 minor ones, 23 serious cases and 15 fatal ones, with 23 deaths.

From January to July this year, there were 68 accidents – 35 minor cases, 23 serious, 10 fatal and 10 deaths.

Sakias said the figures were very high for a province like West New Britain and the onus was on drivers to adhere to all road safety rules.