SUVA, Fiji (19 March 2025): The Land Transport Authority is calling on all road users, including parents, guardians, school communities, and drivers to remain cautious and mindful of schoolchildren crossing the road following the tragic road accident in Dreketi, Labasa yesterday afternoon that claimed the life of an eight-year-old student.
According to preliminary police reports, the young student lost his life after being struck by an oncoming vehicle when he suddenly crossed the road upon disembarking from a licensed carrier. The force of the collision was severe, propelling the child approximately 24 meters from the point of impact before landing on the tarsealed road.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa expressed his condolences to the grieving family and emphasized that this tragic event served as a reminder of the need for vigilance and heightened caution on our roads as drivers, pedestrians and passengers.
“This is an unfortunate incident that reinforces the need for all road users to exercise extreme caution at all time. There are important lessons to be learned from this, particularly regarding the constant message that speeding kills and that drivers must be extra vigilant, especially around school pick-up and drop-off points,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Children are naturally unpredictable, and they may suddenly crossroads without properly assessing the dangers. This is why all drivers must be extra cautious when approaching areas where children are likely to be present. These tragedies can be avoided if road users strictly adhere to road safety measures.”
Mr Rokosawa said the Authority and other stakeholders have consistently conducted awareness campaigns in schools and communities, focusing on educating children about proper road-crossing measures. However, he reiterated that young children require constant supervision, making it imperative for all road users to be mindful of their presence on and around the roads.
The CEO noted that enforcement measures would be intensified, and drivers who continuously fail to adhere to traffic laws will face showcause proceedings and other necessary penalties.
“This is a serious concern for the Authority. The month of February recorded zero fatalities, and it is devastating to now record one in March, particularly the loss of such a young life. We are urging all road users to be responsible, adhere to speed limits, and prioritize safety at all times,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. We must all play our part in preventing such tragedies. Drivers must reduce speed, especially around school zones and high-risk areas, pedestrians must exercise caution, and caregivers must educate and supervise children about road safety.”
He said LTA’s enforcement teams would continue joint operations with the Fiji Police Force and other key stakeholders to enhance safety measures and monitor compliance on the roads.
“While authorities can implement strict road safety measures, road safety is ultimately a collective responsibility,” Mr Rokosawa said.
He encouraged all drivers, parents, school authorities, and communities to work together in ensuring that children are protected from road-related dangers. The current road death toll stands at 3 compared to 15 for the same period last year.
