Fiji’s Road Safety Crisis: Are Government Drivers to Blame?

Jone Usamate, an Opposition Member of Parliament in Fiji, has voiced significant concerns regarding the behavior of government vehicle drivers on the nation’s roads, suggesting that they are key contributors to traffic safety challenges. During a recent parliamentary session, he emphasized the pressing need to address road accidents, despite a minor decrease in overall incidents reported.

Usamate stated that accountability must be reinforced among all drivers, especially those in government positions, saying, “Government drivers can be quite careless.” He called for more rigorous training for provisional drivers to combat reckless driving habits. His comments precede an anticipated parliamentary discussion on the Lands Transport Amendment Bill, aimed at addressing the rise in road accidents.

One of the critical issues raised by Usamate includes the dangerous practices of government vehicle drivers, such as speeding and unsafe overtaking, which he argues threaten public safety. He also criticized the improper usage of flashing lights during non-emergency situations, arguing this violates road regulations. Moreover, Usamate alleged that government vehicles are frequently inappropriately parked at private residences and community police stations, instead of being securely stored in official government garages, which leads to a waste of public resources.

These concerns resonate with previous remarks from Naisa Tuinaceva, the former CEO of the Land Transport Authority, who recently labeled Fiji’s roads as “killing fields,” referencing the increase in severe accidents. Tuinaceva highlighted the necessity of a unified social response to champion safe driving practices, insisting that reckless driving should be treated with utmost seriousness.

This dialogue around road safety is gaining traction in Fiji, fostering hope for a future where driving conduct, particularly amongst government representatives, is prioritized. By advocating for improved accountability and responsible road behaviors, there is an optimistic outlook for reducing accidents and promoting a culture of safety that honors the lives of all road users. The collective efforts towards better safety standards are integral to achieving lasting change in the way Fijians navigate their roads.