A total of 603 lives have been lost in road accidents in Fiji, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana, the Director of Traffic for the Fiji Police Force. This alarming figure was disclosed during the conclusion of National Road Safety Week at the FMF Hibiscus Festival.
SSP Divuana noted that this death toll spans from 2014 to the present day. He emphasized the tragic impact of these losses, stating, “The 603 victims left behind their families, their aspirations, their lives cut short, because of accidents which were in most cases avoidable. The causes of these accidents were largely due to poor decision-making and a lack of respect for others’ right to safety on our roads.”
He highlighted the broad range of victims involved in these incidents, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and riders, indicating the diverse groups that are at risk of road accidents and fatalities.
SSP Divuana called for a change in attitudes regarding road safety, stressing the importance of altering mindsets. He urged adults to lead by example for their children by adopting safer practices on the road.