Former CEO of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Naisa Tuinaceva, has raised alarm over the state of Fiji’s roads, describing them as “killing fields” in light of a concerning increase in severe road accidents. During a Parliamentary session this week, Tuinaceva highlighted recent tragedies, including the death of a 13-year-old boy in Tacirua, an eight-year-old girl who was killed while crossing the road with her father on Edinburgh Drive, and a young man who died in an accident in Sigatoka.
He emphasized that no sum of compensation can restore the lives lost or alleviate the trauma endured by the victims’ families. Tuinaceva urged lawmakers to move beyond mere compensation and focus on uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of these accidents.
Tuinaceva pointed out that road accidents have transcended the realm of mere speeding incidents, asserting that they often stem from willful negligence. He posed a critical question about the societal implications of such reckless behavior: “What kind of society are we, if we allow this to continue?” He expressed that tolerating dangerous driving behaviors equates to devaluing human life and reflects a society that has lost its ethical direction.
He noted that the alarming statistics reveal that many of the accidents involve young drivers and public service vehicles, with speeding evident as a primary factor in this crisis. Tuinaceva stated that such issues reflect a systematic failure to respect human life and adhere to the law.
Moreover, he advocated for a more profound approach to driving education, asserting that it is insufficient for drivers merely to know the rules of the road. He called for drivers to grasp the significance of these rules while underscoring the need to instill responsibility, respect, and the value of life within educational frameworks.
Tuinaceva urged for an enhancement in prevention strategies, highlighting the necessity for stricter enforcement of road safety laws. He made a call to action, stressing that reckless driving should not be viewed as a minor inconvenience but should be treated as a criminal act demanding severe repercussions.
This urgent call for change holds the potential to catalyze significant improvements in road safety in Fiji. By prioritizing educational reforms and stricter law enforcement, the society can collectively work towards a future where such tragic incidents become a rarity rather than a grim reality.
In summary, Tuinaceva’s impassioned plea for reform underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety and protect all road users in Fiji, fostering a future where tragic road accidents are significantly reduced.
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