An increase in fatal highway accidents at night has forced police to set up a major traffic operation in Lae that will stop buses from travellingthe highlands highway.
Lae’s metropolitan commander, Ivan Lakatani saysthe operation code named, Skulim TulaiPMV seeks to do awareness onthe dangers of travelling oPMV’s alongthe highlands highway.
“Any buses leaving Lae City at 2pm-3pm will be stopped from travelling onthe highway,” he said.
This follows major road accidents alongthe highlands that involvePMV’s travelling during nighttime.
Similar operations will be conducted inthe seven highlands province and Madang, aimed at reducing fatal road accidents that happen mostly during night travels.
Whilethe public is blaming poor roads asthe main cause ofthe road accidents,the police say driver’s negligence isthe cause of accidents.
Three months ago, more than 20 people were killed in PMV accident in Mount Hagen. The driver had not slept in more than 48 hours.
With many roads being rehabilitated, drivers may take advantage and exceedthe traffic’s authorized speed limits.
The National Road Safety authority is meanwhile is working on a legislation that will increase penalties for drivers breaching traffic rules.
“There will be a new legislative to punish traffic offenders,” said CEO Nelson Terema.
