The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging all road users to remain vigilant and responsible following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student from Sabeto, Nadi, on Thursday. Reports indicate that the boy was ejected from a moving vehicle due to encountering potholes, which led to his fall onto the road.
LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa expressed sorrow over this preventable loss of life, underscoring the essential need for strict adherence to road safety regulations. He highlighted that drivers must maintain an acute awareness of their surroundings and practice responsible driving, especially when navigating difficult road conditions such as potholes.
“Safety begins with responsible driving. Drivers carry significant responsibility for the safety of all passengers. When faced with uneven roads, it’s imperative to reduce speed and drive with caution to minimize risks,” Rokosawa emphasized. He also pointed out the importance of ensuring passenger safety by avoiding vehicle overloading and making sure that all passengers are seated in secure and designated areas.
Rokosawa called for drivers to use sound judgment, placing passenger safety as a priority in their driving decisions. “The faster you drive, the less control you have—especially on rough or unfamiliar roads. Everyone must adhere to safety regulations, and no one is above the law,” he stated.
Additionally, he stressed the need for a collective shift in mindset towards road safety, encouraging drivers to recognize the potential life-altering implications of their actions. Reckless driving is not acceptable under any circumstances, whether on busy highways or quiet residential streets.
The CEO also pointed out that passengers play a crucial role in ensuring road safety. It is not solely the driver’s responsibility to obey traffic laws; passengers must also contribute by not engaging in unsafe behaviors, such as riding in hazardous positions or distracting the driver. “Safety is a shared responsibility, and every individual in a vehicle must work together to ensure secure travel,” he said.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of road safety and the collective effort required from drivers and passengers alike to prevent such tragedies in the future. It is hoped that greater awareness and responsibility on the roads will lead to fewer accidents and enhance the safety of all road users.
### Summary
The LTA is urging road users to prioritize safety following the death of a 12-year-old from Nadi, who was reportedly thrown from a vehicle due to potholes. The LTA chief called for responsible driving and emphasized the shared responsibility between drivers and passengers in ensuring safe travel.
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