The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has taken significant steps to enhance road safety by revoking the driver’s licences of eight individuals involved in fatal accidents. Among them is a 21-year-old truck driver linked to a tragic incident on Princes Road in Tacirua that resulted in the death of a 13-year-old student.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa revealed that the individuals were called for showcause proceedings according to Regulation 30 of the Land Transport (Driver) Regulations 2000. The young truck driver, who was operating with an expired Learner’s Permit at the time of the collision, faces a five-year licence suspension due to the severity of the accident.
Rokosawa emphasized that this decisive action is a strong warning to all drivers about the grave consequences of reckless driving. He stated, “This serves as a lesson for all licence holders – whether Learners, Provisional, or Full Licence holders. Ignoring road safety rules endangers the lives of everyone on the road.” He reiterated the authority’s zero-tolerance stance towards reckless behaviour and assured swift repercussions for those endangering the safety of others.
The recent fatal accident has raised alarms surrounding reckless driving practices. Rokosawa called for safe driving to be regarded not just as a personal responsibility but also as a societal obligation. He noted, “One moment of negligence can cause irreparable harm,” underlining the far-reaching impacts of traffic violations.
In a bid to mitigate these issues, the LTA is working in conjunction with the Fiji Police Force to criminalize habitual traffic offenders and update existing traffic regulations. Under Section 268 (a) of the Crimes Act 2009, reckless driving is classified as a summary offence and can lead to imprisonment for up to two years.
Rokosawa affirmed the continuation of showcause proceedings for drivers who show blatant disregard for road safety and expressed serious concern regarding fatal accidents caused by unlicensed individuals. The revocation of licences is part of a broader initiative to confront reckless driving, which has increasingly been linked to accidents stemming from speeding, negligence, and distraction. Recent statistics have highlighted a worrying rise in road fatalities, prompting immediate actions from the LTA.
In conclusion, while the circumstances surrounding these accidents are tragic, the LTA’s stringent measures signal a commitment to improving road safety in Fiji. Such actions not only aim to prevent future incidents but also encourage all road users to take their responsibilities seriously for the greater good of the community.
Overall, it is heartening to see authorities taking a proactive approach to ensure road safety, which benefits everyone.
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