SUVA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen Fijians have died so far this year after driving under the influence of liquor, the highest figure in the last nine years, according to statistics from the Fiji Police Force on Tuesday.

As the island nation was in the festive season, drunk driving remained a major concern for the Fiji Police Force.

Fiji Police Director for Traffic Mahesh Mishra said they had beefed up their traffic operations for the festive season to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.

"Fifteen people have lost their lives through drink and drive, so these are the alarming statistics as far as life is being lost on our roads. This is just because the negligence and recklessness of driver behind the wheel," Mishra said.

Meanwhile, Mishra also confirmed that 30 drivers were arrested for drink and drive over the last fortnight.

Mishra reminded drivers that traffic operation for the festive season will continue until January.

About 111,148 drivers have been booked for various traffic offenses so far this year in Fiji.

Statistics revealed that a majority of Fijian drivers continued to get fined for violating the speed limit, Mishra said.

"Our concern is that they need to respect the rule of law. They need to ensure and respect other road users and if they are going to create risk while driving under the influence of liquor or speeding, they are endangering the lives of the innocent people on the road," Mishra said.

The director said 5,768 drivers have been booked for careless driving while 1,100 drivers have been booked for drink and drive.

As an island nation with a population of more than 880,000 with a driver population of over 145,000, Fiji's roads are used by over 98,000 registered motor vehicles.