Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana has stated that the majority of road accidents stem from poor decision-making and a lack of respect for road safety. Speaking at the conclusion of the National Road Safety Week during the Miss Hibiscus Festival, Mr. Divuana highlighted the grave impact of road fatalities in Fiji, revealing that there have been 603 road deaths since 2014.
He emphasized that this statistic signifies a substantial loss for countless families and friends. “The 603 victims have left behind families, aspirations, and lives that were cut short, primarily due to accidents that were often preventable,” Mr. Divuana remarked. He noted that the primary causes of these accidents were largely attributed to poor choices and a disregard for others’ right to safety on the roads.
Mr. Divuana urged the community to shift its mindset, echoing the theme of this year’s National Road Safety Awareness Week: “My safety, my future, it starts with me.” He pointed out that the statistics reveal that victims include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and riders, illustrating the wide range of individuals at risk of road accidents and fatalities.
He stressed the necessity for an attitude and mindset transformation regarding road safety, asserting that enhancing road safety is a collective responsibility to positively influence future generations. “We are the primary examples for our children, and I encourage everyone to contribute to saving lives by adopting a more responsible approach to road safety.”