Jaywalking has resurfaced as a critical road safety issue in Fiji, prompting officials to warn that unsafe pedestrian behaviors are leading to an uptick in injuries and fatalities. The Fiji Police Force has highlighted the risks posed by pedestrians who cross streets outside of designated zebra crossings or disregard traffic signals, particularly in busy urban areas where the potential for accidents is heightened.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe indicated that improving enforcement of pedestrian regulations necessitates closer cooperation among relevant agencies. He noted, “That role was looked after by the land transport authority, so that had to be discussed with us to enforce that again on the ground because I am sure the people they have understood.”
While speeding is often seen as the leading cause of road deaths, authorities emphasize that pedestrians failing to comply with regulations are also contributing significantly to traffic congestion, near misses, and fatal incidents. In response, police are contemplating stricter enforcement measures to ensure that pedestrians adhere to using marked crossings and respect traffic lights.
Vusonilawe added, “They have to use the green light which approves them or tells them it’s okay for us to cross over and that has been done, but for those jaywalking, we have to discuss that with LTA within these two months, and it’s one of the things that we have to enforce on the ground so that people know there’s a law in place.”
The Land Transport Authority has reiterated the dangers associated with crossing busy roads outside designated zones. LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized that enhancing road safety begins at home, stating, “The safety of our children on the roads depends on us, in continuously raising road safety awareness in their households. Most times we only speak and vent on social media when accidents happen, which is too late.”
Both authorities are reminding drivers and pedestrians that maintaining road safety is a shared obligation, and adherence to traffic rules is essential for preventing avoidable tragedies. In light of these discussions and potential actions, there is hope for improved safety measures that could lead to a significant reduction in pedestrian-related incidents on Fiji’s roads.
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