The Fiji Police Traffic Department is emphasizing the importance of adhering to speed limits following the tragic death of a 21-year-old man in Tavua on Friday afternoon. Senior Superintendent of Police Mitieli Divuana, the Director of Traffic, reported that initial investigations suggest speeding was a factor in the fatal accident.
The young man was driving on Kings Road near Draunivi, Tavua, when the incident occurred. It is believed that he lost control of his vehicle while attempting to overtake another car. He was quickly transported to Tavua Hospital, where he was admitted but sadly succumbed to his injuries the following morning. Four passengers accompanying him received medical treatment.
SSP Divuana noted that road safety advocates are continually promoting the importance of safe driving practices through various channels, including media campaigns and traffic stops across all divisions. However, he lamented that many drivers still ignore these warnings, as evidenced by ongoing traffic violations for speeding.
“Speeding is a persistent issue. We are issuing fines to drivers daily for exceeding the speed limit despite clear warnings and advisories from the police and the Land Transport Authority,” he stated. “Traffic officers at checkpoints are also sharing these messages, but the warnings often fall on deaf ears. Currently, the road death count stands at 31, a decrease from 57 fatalities during the same period last year. Together, we can prevent these numbers from increasing if everyone embraces their responsibility towards road safety.”