The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has taken decisive action by canceling the driver’s licenses of eight individuals involved in fatal accidents. Among them is a 21-year-old truck driver implicated in a tragic incident on Princes Road in Tacirua last week, which resulted in the death of a 13-year-old student.
LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa announced that the individuals were summoned for showcause proceedings as per Regulation 30 of the Land Transport (Driver) Regulations 2000. The truck driver’s license was canceled for five years due to his driving on an expired Learners Permit at the time of the tragic accident.
Mr. Rokosawa emphasized that this action sends a strong message to all drivers regarding the consequences of reckless driving. He stated, “This is a lesson for all license holders – whether Learners, Provisional, or Full License holders. You must adhere to your license conditions. Disregarding road safety rules puts the lives of all road users at risk.” Highlighting the authority’s zero tolerance for such behavior, he remarked that swift actions will be taken against those who jeopardize others on the road.
The fatal accident has raised alarms about an increase in reckless driving incidents. Mr. Rokosawa reiterated the notion that safe driving extends beyond individual responsibility and is a collective social obligation, warning that “One moment of negligence can cause irreparable harm.”
In response to the growing concern, the LTA is collaborating with the Fiji Police Force to target repeat traffic offenders and revise existing traffic regulations. He also pointed to Section 268 (a) of the Crimes Act 2009, which makes driving recklessly or negligently a summary offense, punishable by up to two years in prison.
Moving forward, the LTA intends to continue its crackdown on drivers who exhibit blatant ignorance of road safety protocols. This includes the cancellation of licenses for those unauthorized to drive, which is part of a wider initiative to tackle reckless driving. Recent statistics revealing a troubling increase in road fatalities underscore the urgency of these measures.
This proactive stance by the LTA reflects a commitment to enhancing road safety and safeguarding community members from preventable tragedies, marking a hopeful step toward creating a safer driving environment for all.
Summary: The LTA has revoked the licenses of eight individuals, including a truck driver linked to a fatal accident, sending a strong message about reckless driving. The authority is taking collaborative measures to enhance road safety and combat repeat offenders, emphasizing the societal responsibility of safe driving.
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