The Salvation Army in Samoa has expressed concern at the rising number of fatal vehicle accidents allegedly connected to alcohol consumption.
Samoa Observer quotes Salvation Army Team Leader Sailivao Aukusitino Senio from the alcohol addiction services saying the organization is grieving another loss of life from a fatal accident last Saturday evening. A second year student at Malua Theological College (pictured) was killed in the crash at Taufusi.
This is the third road death in Samoa this month.
“We have observed an increase in the number of people who are being ordered to attend our service by the Court, having been charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol.”
The service was launched in 2018 and so far they have received 565 referrals from the court.
“Sadly, as we have seen in the media way too often, when people choose to drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol and their brain and their ability to drive has been significantly impaired, the risk of causing harm to others or harming themselves is very high.”
And the consequences for being caught driving under the influence are many, says Sailivao. He pointed to imprisonment, getting a fine and a criminal record.
Sailivao added that often people tell them that they have been driving a vehicle while under the influence for many years but have not been caught by the Police.
He said mental changes need to take place to stop driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Photo:Samoa Global News
