The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Fiji and the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) have collaborated with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to launch an innovative four-year road safety partnership. This initiative aims to significantly cut down road accidents and fatalities throughout the nation.
LTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, highlighted that this collaboration leverages the profound influence of rugby in the country to promote compliance with traffic regulations among road users. He explained that rugby players are revered figures in Fiji, making them ideal advocates for responsible road use. During the signing ceremony in Valelevu, Nasinu, Mr. Rokosawa stated, “Rugby is a unifying force in Fiji, and the influence of players extends far beyond the field.”
This initiative comes in the wake of concerning statistics regarding road safety. As of December 2, 56 fatalities have been recorded, down from 74 during the same period last year. While any decline in fatalities is a positive sign, Mr. Rokosawa emphasized the need to continue striving for zero fatalities, underscoring that every lost life is significant.
The joint efforts will feature various campaigns using Fiji’s prominent rugby players as road safety ambassadors. These campaigns will be disseminated through social media, television, radio, and during live rugby events, focusing on key areas such as speed control, the importance of seatbelt use, and the perils of drinking and driving, particularly during the festive season.
ACCF Executive Chairman Maritino Nemani outlined the collective vision behind this partnership. He noted the importance of building a culture of care and responsibility on the roads, emphasizing that they have witnessed the tragic outcomes of road crashes firsthand.
Fiji Rugby Union’s General Manager for Commercial, Broadcast & Marketing, Mr. Avnil Pratap, expressed pride in participating in this essential initiative, highlighting rugby players as role models whose influence can inspire positive change within their communities.
This partnership signifies a crucial step towards fostering a culture of road safety in Fiji, with its broad reach promising to engage and educate various segments of society. By harnessing the popularity of rugby, it aims to spark a transformative approach to road safety, potentially saving lives and ensuring safer journeys for all Fijians.
In summary, the LTA, ACCF, and FRU’s partnership marks a hopeful turning point in Fiji’s road safety landscape, utilizing the universal appeal of rugby to advocate for safer road practices and ultimately reduce accidents. This collaboration not only seeks to cut down on fatalities but also aims to educate and influence road users towards a more responsible and community-oriented approach to road safety.
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