The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stated that there are no clear objective guidelines for determining safe kava consumption levels for drivers. This comment follows a concern raised by Assistant Minister Sakiusa Tubuna regarding the possible relationship between high kava intake and road accidents.
During discussions about the LTA’s annual reports from 2019 to 2022, Tubuna highlighted the potential effects of kava on driving safety. In response, the LTA acknowledged the issue but noted a lack of specific evidence or data to support the concerns raised. They explained that their understanding is based on feedback from participants of the Defensive Driving Course, who have shared their personal experiences regarding kava consumption and driving.
The LTA emphasized the difficulty in regulating kava intake compared to alcohol due to the absence of objective standards for safe driving. They also mentioned that their road safety education team is actively engaging in community awareness initiatives through various media, including print, television, radio, and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
While the LTA is primarily focused on setting standards for vehicle and driver registration and licensing, they recognize the need to address kava consumption’s impact on road safety. Looking ahead, the LTA plans to work with the Fiji police to raise national awareness about the dangers associated with excessive kava use, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring public safety on the roads.