SUVA, Fiji (14 August 2024): The Land Transport Authority (LTA), in collaboration with the Fiji Police, is ramping up efforts to ensure the safety of all road users by enforcing seatbelt regulations across the country.
In a concerted effort to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries, LTA and Police have launched a series of joint enforcement operations aimed at promoting the consistent use of seatbelts by drivers and passengers alike.
LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said wearing a seatbelt was one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect oneself in the event of a road accident.
He said seatbelts could reduce the risk of fatal injury for front-seat occupants, highlighting the critical role that seatbelts play in saving lives and preventing severe injuries.
“When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the force of the impact can propel occupants against the dashboard, windshield, or even eject them from the vehicle if they are not properly restrained,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Seatbelts, particularly shoulder-lap belts, are designed to distribute the force of the collision across the stronger parts of the body, thereby reducing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries. Seatbelts help keep the driver in control of the vehicle during sudden maneuvers or impacts, which can be crucial in avoiding further collisions.”
To address the alarming number of injuries and fatalities on Fiji’s roads due to speeding, reckless driving and fatigue, the LTA and Fiji Police are intensifying enforcement of seatbelt regulations.
This joint operation will see an increased presence of police and LTA officers on major roads and highways throughout August, conducting spot checks to ensure compliance with seatbelt regulations.
In addition to enforcement, Mr Rokosawa said the Authority’s Road Safety Education teams are conducting extensive public awareness and community outreach programs on seatbelt safety. These initiatives aim to educate the public about the importance of making seatbelt use a daily habit, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.
“The community outreach efforts include workshops, school visits, and media campaigns designed to reinforce the message that seatbelts save lives. The focus will be on encouraging drivers to take responsibility not only for their own safety but also for the safety of their passengers, by ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained before setting off,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“In Fiji, it is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, whether seated in the front or rear, to wear seatbelts whenever the vehicle is in motion. The law is clear: drivers must ensure that all passengers are securely strapped in before the vehicle begins to move. This includes children over the age of eight, who are required to wear seatbelts, and younger children who should be secured in child restraints if available, or in the rear seats with adult supervision.”
He said the joint efforts of the LTA and Fiji Police highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring road safety.
While enforcement is a critical component, Mr Rokosawa said the ultimate goal was to foster a culture of safety where wearing a seatbelt is second nature to every driver and passenger in Fiji.
“The LTA and Fiji Police urge all road users to adhere to seatbelt regulations and to prioritise their safety and the safety of others on the road. The simple act of fastening your seatbelt can be the difference between life and death in an accident,” he said.
As these joint operations continue, the Acting CEO says the message remains clear: Buckle up every time, in every seat, for every journey. Seatbelts save lives.