A tragic road accident has claimed the life of an 80-year-old man, while another driver has been hospitalized following the incident. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, both drivers were attempting to overtake one another when their vehicles veered off the road and ended up in a ditch. The elderly victim, who was a resident of Suva, was pronounced dead at Navua Hospital, while the other driver is reported to be in stable condition.
The Fiji Police Force has expressed serious concern regarding the escalating number of road accidents and fatalities observed over the recent period. Over the last eight days alone, there have been three fatalities, along with several significant accidents involving pedestrians.
SSP Divuana noted that another fatal incident occurred in Wainadoi, contributing to the troubling statistics. He emphasized that the ongoing occurrence of accidents related to speeding remains a significant issue, despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness through billboards and various media campaigns aimed at promoting road safety.
There has also been growing concern over pedestrian behavior, prompting SSP Divuana to call on parents and guardians to not only discuss road safety with their children but also to model safe behaviors themselves.
Currently, the national road death toll stands at 48, which reflects a slight improvement compared to 78 deaths during the same period last year. This statistic offers a glimmer of hope that efforts to improve road safety may be having some positive impact, albeit more work is needed to ensure the roads are safe for all users.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance on the roads and highlights the continuous need for education and enforcement of road safety guidelines. Through community cooperation and adherence to safety measures, it is possible to reduce the number of tragic accidents in the future.
Leave a comment