Dear Friends
With the increase in traffic
on our roads during Easter, the Land Transport Authority is again urging
motorists to plan their trip, drive with caution and be patient with other road
users.
Fiji has remained fatality free last Easter and the Authority is counting on
drivers and all road users to help keep zero road toll again this Easter.
As of today, 9 people have lost their lives on our roads and most deaths
occurred due to speeding. Speeding remains the greatest cause of death and injuries
on our roads and we are concerned that more people may lose their lives or
sustain injuries to their physical and mental health if road users continue to
ignore basic road rules.
I ask everyone travelling this Easter to act responsibly on the roads. We can
always be gracious on the roads – if every road user were a little bit more
courteous, it would make a huge difference on our roads. We have put together
some tips to ensure that you and your family have the safest Easter possible.
Drivers
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Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition.
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Be patient with and courteous to other drivers. Remember
that everyone is in the same position as you. Don’t get frustrated if you are
stuck in traffic. Be patient and wait until you reach dual lanes or only
overtake when it is 100% safe to do so.
-
Planning your trip and allowing plenty of time to get to
your destination without speeding will also help keep you, your passengers and
others on the road safe.
-
Stop every 2 hours for a 15-minute break.
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Drive within the speed limits.
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If there is more than one driver in the car, take turns
driving. This gives everyone the chance to rest if you are driving a long
distance.
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If you are a lone driver, remember to take a break. Rather
add extra time to your trip due to rest breaks than drive tired and risk getting
into an accident.
-
Look Up – Stay Back. Scan well ahead to identify hazards so
that you can adjust your driving to avoid them and maintaining a minimum
2-second following distance from the vehicle in front.
-
Don’t drink and drive.
Pedestrians
1. If your friends or family members are intoxicated and impaired
with alcohol, do not let them walk alone near the road.
2. Refrain from taking chances by walking or running across the roads
underestimating the speed of vehicles.
3. Look around for traffic before you cross the road.
4. Hold children’s hands while on the road.
5. Refrain from using devices like mobile phones while
walking along the road as this can divert your attention from the traffic.
Keep safe on the roads this
long weekend and have a safe, happy and relaxing Easter!
NAISA
TUINACEVA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFICER