SUVA, Fiji (28 February 2025): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is strongly urging all drivers, including Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers, to adhere to road safety rules and regulations following an incident in Cuvu this afternoon where a bus carrying passengers travelling from Nadi towards Sigatoka, allegedly veered off the road, landing in a ditch.
Preliminary reports from the Fiji Police Force indicate that while there were no fatalities, several passengers, along with the driver, sustained injuries and were taken to the Sigatoka Hospital for treatment.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa reiterated a strong call for all motorists to exercise greater caution and strictly adhere to speed limits.
He said speeding and reckless driving remained the leading causes of road accidents in Fiji and all drivers had a duty to ensure their own safety as well as that of their passengers and other road users.
“Safety on our roads is paramount. It is crucial that all drivers, especially those entrusted with the responsibility of transporting passengers on a public service vehicle, follow traffic rules and maintain safe driving practices at all times. Speeding, reckless driving, and failure to comply with road safety regulations put lives at risk,” said Mr. Rokosawa.
He further stressed the important role that PSV drivers play in the transport sector and reminded them of their responsibility to protect the lives of commuters. Mr. Rokosawa said PSV drivers must strictly adhere to their code of conduct and uphold their duty of care to passengers.
“PSV drivers provide an essential public service, and it is vital that they prioritize passenger safety. Every passenger trusts PSV drivers to get them to their destinations safely, and that trust must not be broken. We remind PSV drivers that road safety is a shared responsibility, and negligence or carelessness on their part can have serious consequences,” the CEO said.
In addition to urging drivers to comply with speed limits and road safety regulations, Mr. Rokosawa also encouraged passengers to speak up if they witness PSV drivers engaging in unsafe practices, such as speeding or reckless driving.
“Passengers have every right to demand safe driving practices from PSV drivers. If a passenger observes any form of reckless behavior on the road, they should report it immediately to the relevant authorities. It is important that everyone plays a role in ensuring safety on our roads,” Mr Rokosawa said.
He said the Authority would continue its joint enforcement operations with key stakeholders such as Police and municipal councils to ensure that Fiji’s roads remain safe for all users.
“As part of our ongoing efforts, the Authority will strengthen its road safety inspections and awareness campaigns to educate both drivers, passengers and pedestrians on their roles in maintaining road safety.
“We are urging all road users to exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and be vigilant at all times. Drivers must recognise that their actions behind the wheel have real consequences, and adhering to road safety measures is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation to prevent loss of life and injury,” Mr Rokosawa said.
*Members of the public can lodge complaints and concerns via our LTA complaints platforms – Text to 582, email help@lta.com.fj / complaints@lta.com.fj or calling the Call Centre on 3392166. Complaints can also be filed via the LTA live chat service on our website at https://www.lta.com.fj/
