SIGATOKA, Fiji (02 December 2024): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is reiterating its call for all road users—drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike—to make responsible decisions that prioritize safety following a motor vehicle accident along Valley Road in Sigatoka yesterday afternoon, which claimed the life of a young man in his 20s and hospitalised three others including the driver.
While expressing condolences to the families who have recently lost loved ones on our roads in recent days, LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa says the devastating incident is a reminder that road fatalities can occur anywhere and often stem from preventable causes when road safety measures are disregarded.
According to the Fiji Police Force, the victim was one of four passengers travelling in a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old. Initial investigations suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and tumble several times near Navula.
The victim, who was reportedly ejected from the car, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and three other passengers were rushed to Sigatoka Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
“The national road death toll is 55 so far this year, compared to 74 during the same period last year. While the decline is encouraging, the Authority continues to emphasize that every life lost is one too many, and such incidents highlight the need for greater vigilance and adherence to road safety rules,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Speeding, reckless driving, and neglect of traffic regulations are avoidable behaviours that too often result in the loss of innocent lives and we have seen this happen in recent weeks. While we continue to advocate for responsible driving habits, it seems that these advisories are falling on deaf ears. The festive season is upon us, but that does not mean we should disregard road safety.
“You can enjoy the celebrations responsibly without endangering your life or the lives of others. Let us show care—for ourselves, for our passengers, and for other road users.”
The CEO said LTA would ramp up joint enforcement operations in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force, targeting high-risk accident-prone areas as well as interior routes where road safety violations were prevalent.
He said complacency and negligence, particularly during this busy festive season where traffic movements were high, could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“Accidents like these are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible driving. We urge drivers to take precautions—adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and ensure that every passenger is wearing a seatbelt. Passengers, too, have a role in ensuring the driver is following safe practices,” he said.
“Road fatalities are preventable. Simple yet impactful measures such as wearing seatbelts, obeying traffic signals, taking adequate rest between drives to avoid fatigue and driving within speed limits can save lives.
“Awareness and enforcement campaigns will continue to highlight the importance of these actions, but the responsibility ultimately lies with each road user. Every decision made on the road has consequences. Let us not wait for yet another life to be lost before we realize the importance of responsible driving and adherence to road safety regulations.”
As Police investigations into the Valley Road accident continue, Mr Rokosawa called on all Fijians to reflect on their behaviour as road users as the tragic incident in Sigatoka served as a wake-up call for everyone to adopt safer practices on the roads.
“We can prevent such heartbreaking losses and ensure that everyone arrives safely at their destinations. This festive season, let safety be our top priority. Drive safely and celebrate responsibly,” the CEO shared.
The Authority’s joint enforcement operations with Police and municipal councils would focus on tackling dangerous driving behaviours and reducing road fatalities.
A key measure includes the nationwide deployment of portable speed cameras to address speeding, a major contributor to accidents. Additionally, random roadside checks are being conducted to target drink driving, ensure licence compliance, and assess vehicle roadworthiness.
Public education remains a cornerstone of these efforts, with the LTA continuing its road safety education programmes and outreach activities to promote adherence to road safety measures.
