The fact that there have been 29 road deaths as of July 11 this year compared to 51 for the same period last year is noteworthy. Hopefully, this will foster some appreciation for road safety campaigns.
There will undoubtedly be reflections on the reduced figures. However, the sobering fact remains that people still lost their lives on our roads.
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, the annual number of road traffic deaths has slightly decreased to 1.19 million. The report highlights that road safety improvements are having an impact, and significant reductions in road traffic deaths can be achieved with the implementation of proven measures.
Despite these improvements, the report states that the cost of mobility remains excessively high. Road traffic injuries continue to be the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5-29 years. Furthermore, more than half of these fatalities are among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Urgent action is needed to achieve the global goal of halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
In the Western Pacific region, which includes Fiji, the WHO says 328,000 people are killed annually in road traffic crashes, with millions more suffering non-fatal injuries, including lifelong disabilities.
On the local front, LTA acting CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has identified speeding as a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities, followed by drink-driving and driver fatigue. This month, the authority, in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force, launched a special operation to raise awareness about the dangers of jaywalking and promote responsible behavior among pedestrians.
Mr. Rokosawa noted that the LTA is committed to addressing these issues through stringent enforcement, comprehensive monitoring, and ongoing road safety awareness campaigns.
While the decline in road fatalities is a positive development, it is crucial to remember that each death has significant consequences. Beyond the statistics, we must consider the human cost and the impact on families, communities, and the economy.
We should also reflect on the effects of road safety campaigns and initiatives and their connection to the reality on our roads. Moving forward, it is vital to maintain the momentum in our road safety awareness campaigns. Lives are essential, and road accidents are preventable. They occur because we allow them.