50 serious road accidents in NCD, Central

By ORCHY REX

MORE than 50 motor vehicle accidents have been reported this year across the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province, with the majority caused by speeding, according to police.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi, who oversees the NCD/Central Command, confirmed the alarming trend following his visit to several crash sites along the Maggi Highway on Tuesday.

“Speeding kills, as we all grew up seeing this advertisement on all media platforms, but we do not take it seriously,” ACP Turi said. “We regret when properties are damaged and lives are lost; then we think of that advertisement.”

Police records show that many of the accidents occurred at sharp bends and corner areas where drivers are expected to reduce their speed and adhere strictly to road rules. One of the most affected stretches is the road between Gaire and Bautama, which has seen several serious accidents this year, some resulting in deaths and major injuries.

Turi said that over the past five months alone, more than ten lives have been lost to road accidents in the command, including passengers, drivers, and hit-and-run victims with most incidents traced back to speeding.

“Some of the accidents, like the one involving the police vehicle a few weeks back and the recent one, should not happen if the drivers were not speeding,” he said.

With PNG’s 50^th Independence celebrations fast approaching, ACP Turi issued a strong reminder to motorists to exercise caution and consideration while driving.

“The roads are made for everyone to use, not just for you, the speeding driver. Please drive slowly. When you are on the road, you must also think of the other vehicles that will be on the road,” he said.

He urged motorists, especially in busy urban centers and along high-risk routes, to obey traffic laws and respect all road users including passengers and pedestrians to prevent further loss of life and property.

Police are expected to step up traffic monitoring operations in the coming weeks as part of their efforts to ensure public safety during the Independence period.