As road accidents persist across the nation, there is a pressing need to address this ongoing challenge that leads to injuries and fatalities. A recent incident near Emuri in Nadroga, where five individuals narrowly avoided serious harm after a crash involving two cargo trucks on the Queens Highway, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
According to Police Director Traffic SSP Mitieli Divuana, the driver of one truck lost control while en route to Sigatoka, causing the vehicle to overturn and collide with another truck driven by a 44-year-old man. Both drivers were taken to Lautoka Hospital, while three passengers received treatment and were later discharged from Sigatoka Hospital.
The World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 indicates a slight decline in annual road traffic deaths, now at 1.19 million. While the report notes that efforts to enhance road safety are showing results, it emphasizes that the cost of mobility remains too high, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5 to 29. It highlights that more than half of road fatalities involve pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Urgent action is required to meet the global target of halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
Skepticism arises regarding the state of common courtesy on our roads. For instance, during peak morning traffic on Ratu Dovi Rd near RB Patel Centrepoint, some drivers, including bus operators, disregard traffic rules, utilizing the right lane for turning right towards Nausori but instead forcing their way left into oncoming traffic heading towards Suva. Similarly, along Nokonoko Rd, drivers may attempt to bypass heavy afternoon traffic, ignoring designated left turns and veering right instead.
Highlighting the importance of small acts that enhance driving safety, the need to signal lane changes or turns, and to yield to traffic re-entering crowded roads is crucial. Distracted driving, such as talking on mobile phones while navigating busy lanes, also poses a significant risk.
It is essential for drivers and other road users to practice vigilance, patience, and courtesy on the roads. To reinforce road safety, it may be beneficial for the acting Police Commissioner and Traffic Director to reinstate police motorcyclists to monitor traffic during busy hours, targeting those who attempt to circumvent regulations. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to address road markings, as their current state could lead to serious accidents.
Many frequent users of roads in the Capital City headed towards Nausori have not experienced accidents due to their familiarity with the routes, yet there is a pressing need to prioritize road safety measures. Being attentive could ultimately save lives.