Sixty-five fatalities have been reported on Fiji’s roads this year, a concerning increase from 51 at the same time last year, leading to heightened alarm among government officials. Filimoni Vosarogo, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, expressed that this escalation in road deaths is “unacceptable and deeply troubling,” indicating a significant violation of traffic laws and a lack of regard for road safety.
Recent incidents underscore the severity of the situation, including the tragic death of a 24-year-old man from Vatukoula, who lost his life when the vehicle he was in veered off the road and collided with a tree. Another serious accident occurred in Namadi Heights, Suva, demonstrating a pattern of reckless driving that has raised urgent concerns.
In response, Vosarogo announced that the government is contemplating a review of road-use legislation, which may lead to stricter requirements for obtaining and retaining driver licenses. This includes potential re-testing protocols for both new and existing drivers, along with tougher penalties for offences such as drunk and reckless driving, which may feature minimum imprisonment terms.
Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the cancellation of licenses for repeat offenders, alongside the introduction of severe penalties for driving with a revoked license. The government aims to enhance law enforcement through increased roadside checks and to roll out advanced driver education and rehabilitation programs aimed at instilling safer driving practices among the community.
Vosarogo emphasized the shared responsibility of road safety, asserting that every driver must prioritize safety and adhere to regulations. He pointedly remarked that Fiji cannot afford to continue losing lives at this rate, urging a collective effort from government, law enforcement, and the public to mitigate these tragic losses.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding road safety has drawn positive reflections from past reports showing a slight decrease in fatalities compared to previous years, hinting that community engagement and heightened awareness could result in safer road conditions. The government remains hopeful that with concerted efforts and stricter regulations, Fiji can foster a culture prioritizing the wellbeing of all road users, setting a precedent for safer driving practices moving forward.
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