Over the past year, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has revoked 114 driver licenses and suspended another 13, according to Acting CEO Irimaia Rokosawa.
As of August 27, the total number of road fatalities is reported at 38, significantly lower than the 62 deaths recorded during the same timeframe last year.
However, Rokosawa emphasized that the loss of any life is unacceptable. He stated that the LTA, along with the Fiji Police Force and other key partners, is dedicated to reducing road fatalities and ensuring the safety of all Fijians on the roads.
“Road fatalities frequently result from preventable behaviors, including speeding, driving under the influence, pedestrian negligence, and other reckless driving practices,” he commented.
Each statistic reflects a life lost, and it is against this reality that the LTA has amplified its initiatives during National Road Safety Week to promote awareness of the importance of following road safety regulations and standards.
“The Authority’s road safety education and enforcement teams have been working tirelessly to spread the message of safety throughout our communities,” he added.
Through community outreach, educational programs, and stringent enforcement actions, these teams aim to reinforce the idea that road safety is a collective responsibility, involving not only drivers but also pedestrians and passengers.
Rokosawa noted that the National Road Safety Week campaign is vital for uniting all stakeholders in the battle against road accidents. Collaborating closely with the Fiji Police Force, LTA is concentrating on highlighting the repercussions of unsafe driving behaviors and the significance of shared responsibility in road safety.
While education and awareness are integral parts of LTA’s strategy, enforcement plays a crucial role in discouraging reckless driving. The Authority remains committed to holding violators accountable through its showcause process.