Fiji is placing road safety awareness back on the national agenda, with the Ministry of Employment spearheading efforts to prevent accidents and save lives. Maritino Nemani, Permanent Secretary for Employment, has emphasized that preventing road fatalities is more effective than dealing with their aftermath. Over the past two years, the Ministry has significantly increased funding and collaborated extensively with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to maximize the reach of safety campaigns.
Safety education, once a core component of school curricula, had been sidelined but is now being revitalized. The renewed focus on road safety includes more than just information sharing; it involves comprehensive campaigns delivered through various channels such as schools, sports organizations, television, billboards, and other platforms capable of reaching a wider audience. The aim is to educate the public and instill safer road behaviors nationwide.
Comparing with previous reports, the message has been consistent: proactive awareness and education are key in reducing road accidents and fatalities. There have been noteworthy efforts by organizations like the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF), which along with the LTA, has introduced extensive road safety campaigns despite resource challenges.
In response to specific local concerns, such as the 13 road fatalities reported in Fiji’s Northern Division in 2024, targeted awareness initiatives have been launched. Collaborative efforts with local traffic police aim to improve public education on safe driving and increase accountability among road users.
Overall, the commitment to road safety is evident, with both government authorities and community partnerships playing essential roles in fostering a safer environment. There is optimism that these comprehensive efforts will lead to a decline in accidents and a safer future for Fiji’s roads, benefitting not just current road users but also future generations. The positive sentiment from ongoing safety campaign developments reflects the community’s potential to collectively achieve substantial safety improvements.
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