The revelation that driver fatigue and pedestrians were the main causes of several serious accidents over the weekend is a significant concern.
Police report that in an incident in Waidalice near Korovou, a fatigued driver transporting four passengers veered off the Wailau Bridge before 9 p.m. The driver allegedly fell asleep, leading to the accident. Three victims were transported to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva and admitted, while the driver and another passenger were treated and discharged.
In another serious accident along Ratu Mara Road in Suva, a 27-year-old man was admitted to the CWM Hospital after being struck by a vehicle driven by a 41-year-old man. It is reported that the victim suddenly crossed the road, resulting in the collision.
Four additional accidents over the weekend led to hospitalizations.
According to the World Health Organization, the annual number of road traffic deaths has slightly decreased to 1.19 million per year. However, with more than two deaths per minute and over 3,200 each day, road traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for children and youths aged 5-29 years.
The latest WHO global status report on road safety for 2023 indicates a 5% reduction in road traffic deaths since 2010, but road crashes remain a persistent global health issue. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users are at increasing risk.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “The tragic tally of road crash deaths is heading in the right direction, downwards, but nowhere near fast enough. The carnage on our roads is preventable. We call on all countries to put people rather than cars at the centre of their transport systems, ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.”
Among UN Member States, 108 countries reported a decrease in road traffic-related deaths between 2010 and 2021.
Despite this progress, there is a clear need for increased awareness about road safety. Far too many individuals are taking life for granted and risking their lives on the roads by pushing the limits or ignoring rules altogether.
Campaigns aimed at reducing road deaths need widespread support. This is crucial as we continue to see individuals die and get injured in road accidents. Awareness and vigilance are key to preventing these tragedies. It’s about valuing life and considering the welfare of all road users.
The accidents over the weekend should serve as stark reminders of our vulnerabilities on the roads and prompt us to make necessary changes.