Road safety is back in the spotlight following the death of a 20-year-old man in a fatal accident on Kings Road in Naviyago, Lautoka, on Saturday morning.
According to Director Traffic Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, the deceased was one of three passengers in a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old man. The driver reportedly lost control of the car, leading it to crash into the railings before landing in the river.
The victim and the other passengers were quickly taken to the Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where the young man was pronounced dead upon arrival. This incident raises the road death toll to 41 for the year, a significant decrease from the 63 deaths reported during the same period last year.
In Parliament, Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau revealed that the Land Transport Authority and police issued a total of 182,615 traffic infringement notices (TINs) between January and July 2024. These violations stemmed from enforcement by the LTA, red light speed camera infringements, and police actions. Among these notices, 179,371 were for general offenses, including speeding, running red lights, and other driver behaviors.
The high volume of traffic violations highlights an ongoing road safety challenge in Fiji. While this year’s death toll has decreased compared to last year’s, each accident has lasting impacts on families and the community. The tragic loss of young lives calls attention to the dangers present on the roads.
Encouragingly, the government and law enforcement agencies are ramping up their focus on education and enforcement regarding road safety. Initiatives aimed at raising awareness of safe driving practices are anticipated, emphasizing the importance of seat belt use, curbing speeding, and reducing distractions while driving.
The tragic incident in Lautoka underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance and adherence to traffic laws.
Annual campaigns have been launched to promote road safety, addressing what needs to be done, and discussing the roles of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Although many safety measures are highlighted and discussed, accidents continue to occur—often due to a lack of compliance.
It is critical for both law enforcement and the community to collaborate in fostering a culture of safety that can lead to fewer road tragedies. The collective challenge remains to ensure a safer driving environment for everyone.