The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a stern warning to drivers following a serious accident in Lakeba that left one passenger in critical condition. The incident unfolded on the uphill segment of Tabusue, where a truck carrying 15 passengers veered off the road and crashed into a ditch.
LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa stated that preliminary investigations revealed the driver possessed a Group two automatic licence with Condition seven, which restricts him to operating automatic vehicles only. Despite this limitation, the driver was operating a manual transmission truck at the time of the crash.
“Initial assessments suggest that while attempting to change gears while driving uphill, the driver failed to maintain proper control of the vehicle, resulting in the incident,” Rokosawa explained. He emphasized that licence classes and conditions are not merely optional, but essential safety measures designed to ensure drivers are adequately trained and possess the skills necessary to handle specific vehicles, particularly heavy and manual transmission trucks.
“Driving outside your licence class puts not only your life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and other road users,” he added. Rokosawa stated that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe repercussions of non-compliance and highlighted the importance of understanding that holding a valid licence does not grant permission to operate every type of vehicle.
The LTA aims to enhance road safety and will continue to advocate for adherence to licensing regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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