SUVA, Fiji: As the festive season peaks and the New Year approaches, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is issuing a strong reminder to the public about the dangers of splashing water on passing vehicles.
While this act is often seen as harmless fun during celebrations this time of the year, LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said it posed significant risks to road safety.
Mr Rokosawa emphasized the gravity of the issue, urging Fijians to celebrate responsibly and act with caution.
“The practice of splashing water on vehicles, especially during festive occasions, has unfortunately become a common part of celebrations,” the CEO said.
“It may seem like a playful activity but the reality is that it can have severe consequences, endangering the lives of motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.”
He said splashing water on to moving vehicles could startle drivers, obstruct their view, or cause them to lose control, leading to accidents.
Such incidents, Mr Rokosawa emphasized, were entirely preventable but could result in injuries or, in worst cases, fatalities.
“Momentary distractions caused by water splashes can have devastating outcomes. These actions are not just reckless; they are potentially life-threatening. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play in ensuring our roads are safe during the festive season and beyond,” he said.
“The Authority has also observed that many instances of water splashing involve children and youths. Parents and guardians are being called upon to monitor their children closely during this festive period.”
Mr. Rokosawa highlighted the critical role of supervision in preventing such dangerous activities. He said another concern was observing children crossing roads carelessly after splashing water on vehicles.
“This increases the likelihood of accidents, as they often fail to notice approaching vehicles. Prevention is always better than cure, and parents and guardians must take responsibility for ensuring their children’s safety especially on our roads,” the CEO said.
“The Authority will work closely with the Fiji Police Force through our joint enforcement operations to ensure safety on our roads during the New Year’s Day festivities.
“We are committed to taking tougher measures against activities that endanger lives. Our goal is to ensure that all road users can travel safely, without fear of unnecessary hazards created by irresponsible roadside behaviour.”
He said the Authority’s road safety education team would also continue its public and community outreach programmes to educate and inform communities of these road safety measures and promote responsible roadside behaviours.
He urged all Fijians to remain vigilant during the festivities and to refrain from all forms of roadside behaviours that compromise safety, including splashing water on passing vehicles or throwing objects at vehicles.
