The Land Transport Authority, in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force and important stakeholders, is set to launch the National Road Safety Week to promote road safety and decrease fatalities on Fiji’s roads. The event will kick off at the Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva tomorrow.
This week-long awareness initiative will be held daily at the Suva Foreshore from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, focusing on encouraging responsible behaviors among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. LTA Acting Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa emphasized that this initiative underscores the critical need for compliance with road safety measures as a vital step in saving lives.
Despite a decrease in road fatalities—38 deaths reported as of August 27, 2024, compared to 62 in the same timeframe last year—Rokosawa noted the significance of this campaign as a reminder that ensuring safety on Fiji’s roads is a collective responsibility.
“Promoting responsible driver behavior is one of the key messages of National Road Safety Week. This means obeying speed limits, steering clear of distractions like mobile phones, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said. Drivers are also encouraged to wear seatbelts, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and be cautious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
For passengers, Rokosawa highlighted the importance of wearing seatbelts consistently and urging drivers to follow traffic regulations. Passengers are also encouraged to minimize distractions for the driver, ensuring their actions do not compromise safety.
Pedestrians, identified as some of the most vulnerable users, are advised to utilize designated crossing zones, remain attentive when near roads, and refrain from jaywalking. Wearing visible clothing, especially at night, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing are simple yet effective methods to enhance pedestrian safety.
Throughout the week, the Suva Foreshore will feature various activities aimed at engaging the public in road safety awareness. LTA Manager Road Safety Watilala Fonu mentioned that road safety quizzes and giveaways will test participants’ knowledge while rewarding their understanding of essential safety practices.
A poetry reading event, scheduled for September 2, will center on the theme of National Road Safety Week, where participants will share creative interpretations emphasizing the importance of road safety. An art exhibition featuring submissions from schools nationwide will highlight the talents of young artists while reinforcing the road safety message. These artworks, produced for the road safety week art competition, will serve as powerful visual reminders of the need to prioritize safety on the roads.
The National Road Safety Week activities will also coincide with the Vodafone Friendly North Festival occurring from September 2 to 6 at Ground 1, Subrail Park, Labasa, each day from 10 AM to 4 PM. The LTA will provide full services after regular hours during the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival from 5 PM to 9 PM and the Vodafone Friendly North Festival from 5 PM to 8 PM.