In the past year, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has revoked 114 driving licenses and suspended another 13, according to Acting CEO Irimaia Rokosawa. He noted that as of August 27, road fatalities had decreased to 38, down from 62 at the same time last year.
Despite this reduction, Rokosawa emphasized that any loss of life is unacceptable. The LTA, in partnership with the Fiji Police Force and other stakeholders, is dedicated to minimizing road fatalities and ensuring the safety of all Fijians on the roads.
“Road fatalities are frequently the result of preventable actions such as speeding, driving under the influence, pedestrian negligence, and other careless driving behaviors,” he stated. He added that each statistic symbolizes a life lost, highlighting the LTA’s intensified efforts during National Road Safety Week to promote adherence to road safety rules.
The LTA’s road safety education and enforcement teams have been working continuously to spread the message of safety throughout the communities. Through various outreach initiatives, educational programs, and strict enforcement, the teams aim to convey that road safety is a collective responsibility shared by everyone—be it drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
Rokosawa mentioned that the National Road Safety Week serves as an essential platform to rally all stakeholders in the battle against road accidents. In collaboration with the Fiji Police Force, the LTA is focusing on informing the public about the ramifications of unsafe driving practices and the necessity of shared responsibility in maintaining road safety.
While education and awareness are vital parts of the LTA’s strategy, Rokosawa reiterated that enforcement plays a crucial role in deterring dangerous driving. The Authority remains committed to holding offenders accountable through its process of issuing show-cause notices.