Motorists in Fiji’s Western Division are being invited to participate in defensive driving courses in Lautoka, coinciding with the observance of National Road Safety Month in 1988. As highlighted in an article from The Fiji Times, the defensive driving courses are part of a broader initiative organized by the Western Division Road Safety Council, the Road Transport Department, and the police to promote safer driving practices.
According to Sheik Mustaq from the Road Transport Department, there will be separate sessions for male and female drivers, with participants accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Interested drivers are advised to complete their applications at the Lautoka office before the deadline. Participants will receive certificates upon successfully completing the program, which includes lectures and film presentations on safe driving techniques to enhance their skills and awareness.
The campaign will be officially launched with a procession in Lautoka featuring accident-damaged vehicles to highlight the importance of road safety. As part of this effort, educational teams from the police, the Road Transport Department, and local educational authorities will visit schools to share important safety messages with students throughout the month.
From July 25 to July 29, free vehicle inspections and headlight adjustments will be available at the department’s offices across various districts, and spot checks of vehicles will take place in Lautoka to ensure compliance with safety standards.
This initiative from decades ago continues to resonate today, as similar proactive measures are being undertaken to bolster road safety in Fiji. Recently reported efforts, such as the launch of National Road Safety Week, underline ongoing concerns with road fatalities and the collective responsibility to promote safe road behavior among all users, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
The consistent focus on education, awareness, and enforcement reflects a hopeful commitment towards creating safer roads, as highlighted by the progress made in reducing traffic fatalities in recent years. As the community engages with these programs, there is optimism for a cultural shift in road safety, paving the way for a lower incidence of accidents and saving lives on Fiji’s roads.
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